Brazilian president hails record-high exports

Outgoing Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva Thursday commended the country's record-high exports this year, as a sign of economic strength.

In 2010, Brazil acumulated an export volume of 197.99 billion U.S. dollars as of last week, surpassing the previous peak of 197.94 billion U.S. dollars in 2008, according to official figures.

"Two weeks ago, there was pessimism in the economy. Now we have record-high exports," said Lula.

The president, who will step down on Saturday, also said he expects the country to score more socioeconomic progress under the incoming government of his successor Dilma Rousseff.

"Brazil has reached adulthood and is mature," the president said, adding that the country needs to make good preparations for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games.
(Source:xinhua)