Guido Mantega Quotations

This is the first time in a long time that Brazil has been able to put together so many favorable conditions for growth. And that fact is due to the economic policies that have been in effect over the last three years.

Lula is going to build a government based on alliances, a government in which businessmen, bankers, trade unions -- the whole of society -- will participate. The trademark of Lula's government will be participation.

The government will be making every effort to bring down interest rates more and more so that sustainable growth can be consolidated.

Brazil has never been more attractive to foreign investors. The fundamentals of Brazil are solid, and in this election year we are in a comfortable position.

Brazil has a competitive advantage and an important place internationally. So, we need to support these companies.

The Brazilian economy is moving forward like someone driving a car with their foot on the brake.

We have a robust trade surplus and, thus, low vulnerability; the country risk premium is declining, despite the fact that a new minister of Finance has just assumed command; and long-term interest rates, which might indicate some change in the international market, continue to fall.

We cannot create artificiality, we cannot evade the principles of the floating exchange rate.

We plan on implementing policies that will supplement the deficiencies of the market ... compliment it with actions of the state.

If these companies don't grow they will be absorbed by competitors. We will support these companies, including their international actions.