São Paulo, 4/7/2004 (Agência Brasil) - By postponing the Free Trade Area of the Americas, Brazil has much to lose. At this moment, a good moment, with the economy in good shape and a strong competitive position, it is a good idea to move ahead with the FTAA, says minister of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade, Luiz Fernando Furlan.

"The possibility of the FTAA meeting the 2005 deadline is less and less likely with each passing day," said the minister, as he called on the Brazilian and American co-presidents of FTAA negotiations "to show more commitment to finishing the job."

Furlan said he did not like the American idea of linking FTAA and World Trade Organization talks.

As for negotiations with the European Union, Furlan said they were "normal," with five meetings scheduled this year which are expected to result in an agreement by October. (Translator: Allen Bennett)