Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F ___X___ Form 40-F _______
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Incorporation of company in Japan for the import and distribution of ethanol
The ownership of Brazil-Japan Ethanol Co., LtD will be shared equally between Petrobras and Nippon Alcohol Hanbai K.K., a state-owned Japanese company with a 70% share in the distribution of ethanol to the Japanese market. Company management will be shared by the two companies, thus combining their distinctive and complementary know-how, technology and experiences for realizing the safe bulk export of quality fuel ethanol from Brazil to Japan.
The new company will seek to identify technical and commercial solutions for inserting ethanol into the Japanese energy matrix in substitution for fossil fuels and in line with the objective of reducing green houses gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), and thus contributing to the success of the Kyoto Protocol. In effect since February 16 2005, the protocol considered to be the most promising of the approximately 200 agreements on the environment under the auspices of the United Nations - provides for the reduction by industrialized countries of emissions of six gases causing global warming.
Strategically, the incorporation of Brazil-Japan Ethanol Co., Ltd. is in line with the objective fixed in the Strategic Plan 2005-2015 for the internationalization of the Companys business. It will permit Petrobras to break into one of the most complex and important energy markets in the world, both in terms of ethanol logistics distribution as well as providing additional opportunities for the Company in the fuel distribution sector in Japan.
PETRÓLEO BRASILEIRO S.A--PETROBRAS |
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By: |
/S/ José Sergio Gabrielli de Azevedo
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José Sergio Gabrielli de Azevedo
Chief Financial Officer and Investor Relations Director |
This press release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are statements that are not historical facts, and are based on management's current view and estimates offuture economic circumstances, industry conditions, company performance and financial results. The words "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "expects", "plans" and similar expressions, as they relate to the company, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the declaration or payment of dividends, the implementation of principal operating and financing strategies and capital expenditure plans, the direction of future operations and the factors or trends affecting financial condition, liquidity or results of operations are examples of forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of management and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. There is no guarantee that the expected events, trends or results will actually occur. The statements are based on many assumptions and factors, including general economic and market conditions, industry conditions, and operating factors. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.