Brazil’s Minister of Development, Industry, and Foreign Trade, Luiz Fernando Furlan, affirmed March 9 that he is already striving for exports in the area of software programs and informatics services to reach US$ 2 billion in 2007.
According to him, these are areas create jobs for young people emerging from the universities.
At the 11th plenary meeting of the Economic and Social Development Council (CDS), Furlan said that, despite being a technologically advanced country, Brazil is still viewed abroad as the country of “samba, coffee, and Pelé.” The meeting was held in the Planalto Palace.
In fact, according to the Minister, Brazil is a country with many other abilities, such as the technology used in electronic ballot boxes and personal income tax returns filed via internet, as well as being the world’s largest manufacturer of regional aircraft.
Bearing in mind the theme of the meeting, “Perspectives 2005: Development Opportunities,” Furlan pointed out that the country must evolve in areas of added value, investing in the exportation of knowledge.
Another goal is to lift the level of Brazil’s export earnings next year to US$ 120 billion, doubling the value of export earnings during President Lula’s mandate.
According to Minister Furlan, the principal export markets for Brazilian products are the European Union and the United States, but exports to other markets, such as Asia and the Mercosur countries, have also been expanding.
Translation: David Silberstein
Agência Brasil