The State Sugar Council (CEA) is requesting RD$1,000 million in subsidies to produce the 1998-99 harvest. The moneys would have to be included in next year’s budget. El Siglo reported that technicians forecast that the CEA would not even reach 170,000 short tons of sugar, and that the entity is seeking to make future sales for US$30 to US$35 million to resolve its most pressing financial problems. Experts have said it would cost taxpayers less if the state gave away the sugar conglomerate than if it continues to subsidize it. The state is immersed in a privatization program, but analysts have said that one of the major setbacks in the program is that the government only offers to sell 50% of the properties, thus making it less attractive for bona fide investors who may end up with not having control over the operations.
