Rio, October 11, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - With the goal of expanding the production of sugar for export and, at the same time, generate 4 thousand direct jobs in the countryside, the executive board of the National Economic and Social Development Bank (BNDES) approved a loan of R$ 31.6 million to companies belonging to the Iracema-São Martinho Group.

According to the BNDES, the loan will enable the group to expand sugar-cane cultivation and promote the mechanization of agricultural activities and the installation of irrigation equipment, as well as the modernization of industrial units. (DAS)