Carolina Pimentel
Reporter - Agência Brasil

Brasília - President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva participated today (14) in the symbolic placing of the cornerstone of the Rio de Janeiro Petrochemical Complex (COMPERJ), in Itaboraí (RJ).

The complex, which is Petrobras' largest single project, will begin operations in 2012. Initially, it will process 150 thousand barrels of oil daily, according to information released by the Planalto Palace. The project is expected to receive US$ 6.5 billion in investments and to generate more than 200 thousand direct and indirect jobs during the construction phase.

The president affirmed once again that Brazil is capable of becoming a great power in the energy field. "Brazil will be the country that produces the largest quantity of renewable energy on the planet Earth."

Translation: David Silberstein