President Dilma Rousseff receives CAF president in Planalto Palace

(Brasilia, November 14, 2011).- Enrique Garcia, president & CEO of CAF – Latin American development bank – was received by Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff while on an official visit to that country, in a demonstration of the financial institution’s strong support for Brazilian and regional development.

During the meeting, García emphasized the importance for the institution of Brazil’s presence as a full member. "The entry of Brazil in the 1990s stimulated the growth of CAF, and now the country – as a principal member – has the same rights as the founders," Garcia said.

The CAF president praised the policies implemented by the Brazilian government in the area of infrastructure and regional integration.

On the latter, Garcia emphasized the role played by the financial institution in supporting the region and growth of the portfolio and approvals. “In 2010 the Institution approved a total of US$10.533 billon in favor of Latin American development and integration.”

García also met with José Sarney, president of the Senate; Miriam Belchior, minister of Planning; and Rui Nogueira, general secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty), and held other high level meetings.

In the meetings, the CAF president - who was accompanied by the CAF director representative in Brazil, Moira Paz Estenssoro - reviewed the projects financed by CAF and potential programs to be considered for the future.