The recently discovered pre-salt oil and gas reserves may help the country achieve this goal, Lula said.
"In 10 or 15 years, this country will be the third, or the fourth largest economy in the world, or the fifth if it does not have luck," Lula said at the inauguration of a project in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul.
He added Brazil's economic growth must be made by enhancing social equality, he said, adding that the country cannot allow the excessive concentration of wealth in the future.
Published by Mike Hitchen i On Global Trends, world news, analysis, opinion
Putting principles before profits
Putting principles before profits