Ribeirão Preto (SP), April 30, 2004 (Agência Brasil) - Speaking today at the inauguration of the Agrishow 2004 - International Agricultural Technology Fair in Ribeirão Preto, in the state of São Paulo, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva affirmed that Brazil was not born to be an eternally emerging country, but, rather, a nation occupying a noteworthy place in the globalized world, which, in his words, is frequently unforgiving.

Lula emphasized the job Brazil has been doing abroad, with a more audacious and aggressive foreign policy. According to him, the Mercosur has been refurbished since he took office. He also highlighted relations with the countries of Africa and the Middle East. In the President's view, strategic relations, not just commercial ones, are being revived, to make it possible to compete with stronger nations.

Family farming gained more space this year at Latin America's largest agricultural fair. At least 20 thousand small farmers are participating in the event, twice last year's number.

Also present at the fair are financial institutions that operate with rural credit. They are offering farmers specific funds, including ones within the scope of the Ministry of Agrarian Development's National Program to Strengthen Family Farming (Pronaf). Last year banks loaned US$ 33.97 million (R$ 100 million) during the fair, and it is estimated that this year's total will be 20% higher.

There are over 600 exhibitors at the Agrishow, from Brazil and foreign countries such as France, the United States, England, Italy, and Argentina. 160 thousand visitors are expected to attend the event.

The Agrishow is sponsored by the Brazilian Machinery and Equipment Industry Association (Abimaq), the National Association for Fertilizer Propagation (Anda), and the Brazilian Rural Society (SRB).

Translator: David Silberstein