DR1: Ethanol agreement signed by DR and Brazil

The Dominican and Brazilian governments signed a statement of intent yesterday, establishing mutual cooperation in the development of ethanol production and use techniques. According to El Caribre, the document was signed by Foreign Relations Ministers Carlos Morales Troncoso and Celso Amorim, in Guatemala, after the conclusion of the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the members of the Central American Integration System (SICA). Morales Troncoso said that the agreement is a transcendental measure that shows the government's firm commitment to using other types of fuel as a way of tackling the high costs of petroleum. The statement of intent stipulates that the two countries can establish mechanisms with the public and private sectors, and international and non-governmental organizations, for the implementation of technical cooperation in ethanol production.