The Presidents of the Dominican Republic and Colombia have signed an agreement under which Colombia will provide energy assistance to the Dominican Republic. Part of the plan involves the transfer of the technology for the conversion of sugar cane into alcohol. The document points out that this process will help mitigate the effects of the current energy crisis, which has been exacerbated by the current high oil prices. The energy deal also provides for extensive credits for the purchase of petroleum and coal from Colombia, available through the Colombian Bank for Overseas Commerce (BANCOLDEX). The minimum purchase will be for US$50 million and the credit limit is set at US$200 million. The agreement allows for 100% of the purchases to be financed through BANCOLDEX.