During a meeting between Brazillian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva and U.S. President George W. Bush, the Dominican Republic was selected as one of four countries that are prime recipients for private investment in ethanol pilot projects. The other three are Haiti, El Salvador and St. Kitts and Nevis.

While Haiti and St. Kitts and Nevis were selected because they are among the poorest countries in the Caribbean region, the Dominican Republic and El Salvador were chosen because of the interest they have already shown in exploring alternative energy sources.

The pilot projects will be implemented by Brazillian and U.S. technical experts.