Speaking at a seminar on business opportunities in Brazil, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva warned that if there is no agreement between rich nations and poor nations on trade disputes, it will not be possible to achieve the Millennium Goals.
Over 100 businessmen from 28 countries participated in the seminar, "Brazil and Partners: Investment Opportunities," where the focus was on the Brazilian economy and social programs, international integration and perspectives for 2006. It was the seventh such event sponsored by the Brazilian federal government.
Lula told the audience that he had spoken by telephone with British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, to suggest a summit of G-7 and emerging nation leaders in order to work out a solution for the gridlock in international trade negotiations, especially the impasse on farm subsidies.
Lula said that if world leaders are committed to a more just world marketplace, where poor nations can sell their goods, there must be progress in World Trade Organization negotiations.
"Otherwise, the poor will get poorer, the rich richer, and the Millennium Goals project to reduce poverty and hunger worldwide will fail," said Lula.
Agência Brasil