Rio, May 19, 2004 (Agência Brasil) - According to projections made by the Central Bank, the amount of foreign direct investments in Brazil this year should reach US$ 14.25 billion, as against US$ 10 billion in 2003. Direct investments represent capital incorporated into the country's productive activities.

The Minister of Development, Luiz Fernando Furlan, told the National Forum that he will work to attract US$ 20 billion in direct investments, beginning in 2005. In his view, a large portion of these funds will be generated by the publicity given to Brazilian products and directed at entrepreneurs all over the world.

For Furlan, the investment intentions announced by Brazilian companies indicate that investments will be 71% greater this year than last. The Minister revealed that imports in the Manaus Duty-Free Zone rose 11% in the first quarter, while exports fell. This means an increase in production for the domestic market.

The Minister estimated that exports should generate 100 thousand jobs this year. He considered this number small in light of the challenge facing the country. The message that Furlan left with the participants of the Forum was: "More optimism and less self-flagellation."

Translator: David Silberstein