Mylena Fiori
Reporter Agência Brasil

Brasília – During his visit last week, the president elect of Bolivia, Evo Morales, got a look at Brazil's biodiesel fuel - a mixture of diesel with a vegetable additive. "I would like to know more about this. It is an interesting idea: an ecological diesel fuel made from a farm product. An excellent idea. Perhaps Brazil and Bolivia can do this together in the future," he said.

With regard to the exploration, production and distribution of natural gas and petroleum in Bolivia where Brazil's state-run Petrobras is a big player (and investor), Morales said the two governments were setting up work groups to study the issue. Since June 2005 Bolivia has a new law that makes all its natural resources the property of the state.

"The work groups will draw up commercial and cooperation agreements," said Morales, adding that he is counting on political support from Brasilia.

Translation: Allen Bennett