Rio - First half GDP growth closed out up 4.2%, compared to the first half in 2003. It was the biggest GDP growth since the first half of 2000, when it rose 4.7%.

From January to June of this year, the farm sector grew 5.7%, the industrial sector 4.7% and services 2.8%, according to the latest government statistical bureau, IBGE (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística), quarterly report. The IBGE also reports that for the 12-month period ending in June 2004, GDP growth was 1.7%, compared to the 12-month period ending in June 2003.

Agência Brasil
Reporter: Nielmar de Oliveira
Translator: Allen Bennett
09/01/2004