São Paulo - As part of the government's efforts to stimulate growth, the National Monetary Council has approved a financing program by the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) for purchases of machinery and equipment by the industrial sector, mainly the small business segment.

The BNDES has earmarked US$825 million (R$2.5 billion) for the program. Loans, of up to five years, will carry a 14.95% per year fixed interest rate. Up to 90% of the value of goods can be financed.

Agência Brasil
Reporter: Fabiana Uchinaka
Translator: Allen Bennett
08/09/2004