The us and Brazil, which account for more than 72 per cent of global ethanol production, recently finalised a pact to jointly research biofuels and develop standards for their global commercialisation. Presidents George Bush and Luiz Incio Lula da Silva signed the "strategic alliance" in Sao Paulo, though the us did not agree to drop tariffs on Brazilian exports of ethanol.
The two countries will cooperate in researching and developing "next-generation" technologies such as cellulosic ethanol. Considered the "first effort to jump-start a western hemisphere ethanol market", the pact is expected to stimulate the expansion of biofuels in developing countries. The International Biofuel Forum, to be attended by India, China, South Africa and eu, is expected to provide further impetus.
The pact maps out ways to address issues of transfer of technology to other countries who want to produce these fuel and paves the way for standards for biofuels so it can be globally traded.
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