Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has announced that new measures designed to strengthen the country's economy will be unveiled in January.

According to the Associated Press, Mr Silva said that Brazil remains "strong economically" but he still intends to take action in response to the global financial crisis.

Making the announcement in his weekly radio address, the prime minister did not give any specific details but said a new economic plan will be revealed by January 20th.

Mr Silva has predicted economic growth of 4% for Brazil in 2009, while the country's central bank has projected 3.2%.

Meanwhile, Brazil's net public sector debt is expected to show a reduction next year, Reuters reports.

The central bank has said that public sector debt will fall to 35.1% of GDP by the end of 2009.

Brazil's steady economy and developing property market have begun to attract high-profile investors such as British Olympic hero Chris Hoy, who recently purchased a coastal property in the country.

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