Brazilian industries operating abroad will gain a 9% income tax credit to reduce the amount of tax paid locally, the Finance Ministry said Monday. The credit, which was previously granted to food, construction and service industries will be extended to most other sectors, the ministry said. Finance Minister Guido Mantega announced the measure following meetings with the National Confederation of Industries as part of the government’s efforts to revive a sluggish local economy. Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff had promised measures to boost the competitiveness of local industries earlier this month as part of her re-election campaign efforts.  Mr. Mantega said the government decided to grant the tax reduction to help diminish the number of lawsuits brought against the government by companies operating abroad that disputed additional tax charges. Brazilian industry has struggled to remain competitive this year amid slowing economic activity. According to the IBGE statistics institute, the economy contracted 0.6% in the second quarter of the year, entering a technical recession. The Brazilian central bank’s latest market surveys project the economy will grow only 0.3% in 2014 following 2.3% growth last year.