Brasília, June 21, 2004 (Agência Brasil) - After demonstrating to the Chinese that Brazil is at a propitious juncture and offers good business opportunities, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will tell over 300 entrepreneurs in New York (US), Wednesday (23) morning, that it is worthwhile to invest in Brazil.

The Minister of Development, Industry, and Foreign Trade, Luiz Fernando Furlan, one of the Ministers who will travel with the President, declared that "there will be a collective effort to inform public opinion and investors." And that American, Canadian, and Mexican entrepreneurs will be given a positive impression, with figures that express a series of Brazilian victories in the economy, the social area, and investments. "The figures show that Brazil has resumed consistent growth," Furlan said.

Lula's meeting with investors from the three North American countries, Furlan disclosed, should follow the same format as the meeting held in Geneva (Switzerland) at the beginning of the year, when the Brazilian President addressed European investors. Furlan also stated that, following the speech, Lula will have lunch with the businessmen at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. And during the afternoon he will open the seminar "Brazil Meets Markets," as well as taking part in the inauguration of the Federal Savings Bank's fund remittance service for Brazilians who live abroad.

The Ministry of Development, Industry, and Foreign Trade also prepared a video with statistics on the production of capital goods, the automobile and aircraft industry, cell phones, and computers. Each participant will receive the Investment Guide to Brazil, containing information on Brazilian projects.

In 2003 Brazilian exports to the United States rose 8.8%. Exports to Canada, over 25%. Mexico was the sixth largest buyer of Brazilian products last year, to the tune of US$ 2.741 billion.

Reporter: Nelson Motta
Translator: David Silberstein