Most Innovative Policymaker.

LUIZ FERNANDO FURLAN

Minister of Development, Industry and Trade, Brazil

ACHIEVEMENTS: In the last two years, exports have risen by 50% to US$90 billion. Although a Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) has yet to come, Furlan is not discouraged." I am confident and sure that an FTAA is a strategic project."

BACKGROUND: A chemical engineer and manager, Furlan started at Brazil's Sadia in 1976, one of the region's biggest food companies, with exports to more than 90 countries. After holding various management jobs at the company, he rose to chairman of the board in 1993.

FOCUS: "The fact that foreign trade in relation to GDP is growing vigorously helps a lot to reduce country risk."

FUTURE: An initial estimate of exports for this year jumped to $94 billion from $80 billion. The goal of reaching $100 billion in exports by 2006 should be reached shortly. "This represents an average increase in Brazil's GDP of around 1.5% with the rise in exports." Diversifying markets is a priority.

BIG CHALLENGE: "The big challenge today is resuscitating the domestic economy." Furlan considers government spending restraint and a trade surplus as strong points for a possible reduction in interest rates.

INSIDER INFORMATION: Furlan wants to cut Brazil's losses due to bureaucracy in half and, despite recent rises, says the government is working to hold interest rates steady without risking a spike in inflation. "After 10 years of reasonable economic stability, it makes no sense to take exaggerated risks."