São Paulo - The American Ambassador to Brazil, John Danilovich, said today that he views Brazil as "the anchor of South America." At a luncheon with over 130 Brazilian and American businessmen at the American Chamber of Commerce in São Paulo, the Ambassador commended President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for his effort on behalf of political stability in Latin America and in pursuit of sustainable development. "We support, esteem, and applaud Brazil's leadership," he affirmed.

Danilovich also highlighted the performance of Antônio Palocci at the helm of the Ministry of Finance and Henrique Meirelles in the Central Bank. "Palocci and Meirelles' efforts have been recognized and appreciated not only on Wall Street, but in London and Frankfurt, as well. There is a recognition of the steps taken by President Lula's government in the direction of sustainable development," he said. "It is the hope of the international community that he carry on in this direction," he observed.

The Ambassador recalled the importance of the visit made to Brazil early this month by American Secretary of State, Colin Powell. "He didn't come to visit various Latin American countries. He came just to Brazil. This is an extremely important trip for an American Secretary of State and shows the United States' respect for Brazil," Danilovich declared.

The protection of industrial property and copyrights and the registration of patents were among the topics discussed by the businessmen who attended the luncheon.

The American Ambassador said that he understands the frustration some sectors feel with respect to Brazil, and he guaranteed that the protection of patents and intellectual property is very important to the American government. "We are familiar with this problem, and we shall analyze it," he assured. "The Brazilian government makes progress, but at times it seems to diminish its efforts, and we find this unacceptable," he concluded. The matter had already been broached by Powell during his visit to Brazil.

According to Danilovich, the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) should gain impetus starting in January, 2005. "I think that the whole process will be accelerated," he said.

The Ambassador asserted that the Bush Administration is strongly committed to increasing trade between the United States and the countries of Latin America and that this policy will continue in a new term of office.

Agência Brasil
Reporter: Mylena Fiori
Translator: David Silberstein
10/27/2004