Rio, April 12, 2004 (Agência Brasil) - The Brazilian petroleum company, Petrobras, announced today that it will invest US$ 5.198 million (R$ 15 million) on projects that are part of the "Petrobras Zero Hunger" Program. The money will go to efforts to create jobs and income, improve educational and vocational training conditions for young people and adults, and guarantee the rights of children and adolescents, as well as other social endeavors. The goal of the company is to invest US$ 104.99 million (R$ 303 million) in the social area over the next three years.

The "Petrobras Zero Hunger" Program was started last September, for the purpose of promoting social development through social inclusion and the erradication of extreme poverty in Brazil, as well as establishing structural policies capable of producing autonomy and sustainability.

Translator: David Silberstein