Rio de Janeiro, 4/8/2004(Agência Brasil) - Next Monday, Petrobras will begin selecting projects it will sponsor as part of its participation in the government's Zero Hunger program. The selected projects will become part of what is known as the Programa Petrobras Fome Zero.

The first stage of the program has a budget of US$5.2 million (R$15 million) and will select projects that strengthen the fight against misery through generation of employment and income, improve education and provide youths with professional training. All of this will be done while strictly complying with the rights of children and adolescents.

According to company spokesmen, a total of US$105.5 million (R$303 million) will be invested in the program by the year 2006, resulting in benefits for some 4 million people.

Selected projects will receive a seal recommending them to Petrobras suppliers or business partners. One of the objectives of the program is to stimulate social activities in the business community. (Translator: Allen Bennett)