The Commission for the Reform of Public Enterprise (CREP) leased the 10 State Sugar Council (CEA) sugar mills to five companies yesterday. The government will receive US$11,001,299 a year for the lease. Winners of the leases are: Impulsora Azucarera del Noroeste, S. A. (Zucarmex): Rio Haina, Ozama, Boca Chica, Quisqueya, Consuelo sugar mills. US$6,395,700 annual payment. Consorcio Agroindustrial Caña Brava: Amistad and Montellano sugar mills. US$450,000 annual payment. Consorcio Dominico Franco-Americano: Barahona sugar mill. US$1,805,000 annual payment. Consorcio Pringamosa: Santa Fe and Porvenir sugar mills. US$2,350,599 annual payment. The winners were awarded 30 year leases to sugar cane fields, cattle ranches, sugar mill infrastructure and production facilities. This is the first phase of the privatization of the State Sugar Council (CEA) property. A second phase will involve the concession of lands with tourism or urban development potential.
