Rio - Representatives of the commercial sector, the Receita Federal (IRS) and members of Congress are meeting in Rio de Janeiro to discuss their losses due to piracy in the areas of profits, taxes and jobs, besides consumer relations.

According to the Commercial Association of Rio, Brazil is near the top of the list of countries with high levels of piracy. Pirated goods run the gamut from designer bags and clothes to perfumes and tennis shoes; from computer programs to watches to medicines to cigarettes to CDs and DVDs, not to mention bateries and sunglasses.

A congressional investigation (CPI) found that Brazil loses some US$5.2 billion (R$15 billion) annually in tax revenue because of falsified products. As a result of the investigation five bills are in Congress dealing with the issue. And a National Council on Intellectual Property and Piracy Combat was established.

According to the Rio Commercial Association, high taxes burden commercial activities and are largely responsible for the growth of piracy, contraband goods and tax evasion in Brazil.

Agência Brasil
Reporter: Daisy Nascimento
Translator: Allen Bennett
10/14/2004