Source: O Globo, 30/03/2009

BRASÍLIA - The National Confederation of Industry (CNI) wants to take advantage of the effect of the international financial crisis in Brazil to pressure the National Congress to vote on changes in legislation in order to create a positive environment among economic agents. On the legislative agenda of the industry, which will be launched tomorrow, in Brasilia, the CNI listed 13 projects on the minimum agenda that was considered a priority by the entity. Among the projects, tax reform is included.

- Congress is challenged to make its contribution to this crisis process. We expect a reactive response with the approval of projects that can create a positive environment and improve the country's expectations in the medium term. Therefore, the industry presents a minimum agenda with the sector's priorities. The crisis is an opportunity to move this agenda forward - said the president of CNI, deputy Armando Monteiro Neto (PTB-PE).

The agenda was formed after an analysis of 641 legislative projects and an initial selection of 119 subjects identified as priorities. Among the 13 projects in the industry's minimum agenda, four are related to economic policy, two with infrastructure, three with the environment and three with labor relations, in addition to tax reform. Armando Monteiro himself acknowledges that of the minimum tariff presented last year, 80% of the projects did not proceed. Therefore, the change of strategy this year to put pressure on the Chamber and the Senate with the turbulence in the global economy.

Among the projects chosen by the entities linked to the CNI are the restructuring of the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (Cade), which requires updating the corporate income tax, without correction for 10 years, which establishes taxpayers' rights and guarantees, in addition to of the positive record, which the government has already placed as a priority for assessing that there is an impact on the interest charged by banks. Also on the industry agenda is the project that updates the bidding law and the provisions on the management and control of regulatory agencies.

In the environmental agenda, the highlights are for projects dealing with environmental licensing, solid waste and environmental compensation with the impacts caused by the projects. In the list of labor relations, there are projects that deal with restrictions for unfair dismissal, which regulates outsourcing and which establishes the reduction of working hours. Armando Monteiro clarifies that CNI has the opposite position in some of these projects. But he defends the vote on all these matters.

-We consider the attempt to reduce working hours in the midst of crisis to be inappropriate. But we have to vote on these matters - explained the president of the CNI.