2th August Programs include support for sectors impacted by the exchange rate, a boost in financing for innovation, working capital and professional qualification BNDES PSI program is extended to the end of 2012 The BNDES approved a series of support measures for the Brazilian production sector, enabling swifter concession of financing and reduced investment costs. These steps are part of the Brasil Maior Plan, disclosed in Brasilia on Tuesday, August 2, by the President of the Republic, Dilma Rousseff.In order to consolidate the Brazilian production sector and expand the competitiveness in industry, a new stage of the BNDES Revitaliza Program has been launched, aimed to support the sectors most affected by the exchange rate appreciation. With a budget allocation of R$ 6.7 billion and a fixed interest rate of 9%, the program will be effective until December 31, 2012.In addition to the car parts sector, included in this new version, the BNDES Revitaliza supports investments in the following segments: capital goods, textile and apparel, footwear, leather artifacts and treatment, software, information technology services, decorative stones, wood treatment and furniture, processed fruits and in natura, as well as ceramics.New measures also include more funding and better credit conditions for working capital in micro, small and medium-sized companies. In this vein, the budget of the BNDES Progeren program will increase from the current R$ 3.4 billion to R$ 10.4 billion, with interest rates between 10% and 13% per annum. The overall term of loan was extended as well, from 24 months to up to 36 months (with 12 months grace period). These conditions will expire on December 31, 2012.Besides supporting micro and small companies in all sectors, the BNDES Progeren program will start supporting medium-sized companies in the car parts, furniture and wood artifacts sectors. Besides these new sectors, the program already included medium-sized companies in the sectors of capital goods, textile products, apparel, clothing and accessories, instruments and materials for medical and odontological use and optical goods, information technology equipment and accessories, electronic and communication material, toys and recreational games. In the North and Northeast regions, any medium-sized company may be supported by Progeren. These measures also benefit from the extension of the term for using funding from the Investment Maintenance Program (PSI) to the end of 2012.In addition to remaining focused on financing for the acquisition of capital goods, innovation, exports and the Financing Program for Truck Drivers (Procaminhoneiro), the PSI included new sectors and new programs: parts and components, information technology and communication equipment made in the country with national technology; hybrid buses; Proengenharia; and Production Innovation. In this way, the PSI, with a R$ 75 billion budget, extended its support to adding value through innovation and the acquisition of capital goods and components.Professional qualification The new industrial policy is also focused on the qualification the labor force. Thus, the BNDES Qualification Program was created, with a budget of R$ 3.5 billion and effective until April 30, 2013. The interest rate will be the long-term interest rate (currently at 6% per annum), plus 0.9%, added of the borrower risk rate.The program