● <B>WHAT IS THE OBJECTIVE OF THE SIE BILL? </B>With the 36% drop in sugar export prices on the European Union (EU) market, the industry has to find new ways of remaining profitable. The EU has accepted to grant aid to the country but it demands a clear strategic plan to ensure the viability of the industry before disbursing any compensation. The bill is aimed at making the changes in the industry a reality.

● <B>WHAT WILL IT MEAN FOR WORKERS IN THAT SECTOR ? </B> The Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) has been extended to more workers who now have the possibility to retire earlier. The government insists that the package of this second VRS ?wave? is more attractive for workers who will benefit from a plot of land without the three-year delay.

● <B>WHAT ABOUT ENERGY ? </B>The final version of the bill has left out the ?energy cluster?. The industry finds it a pity because the production of ethanol for instance ? a by-product of sugarcane ? could have allowed it to remain competitive. But some members of the government thought that some people held a monopoly on sugar and wanted to make sure the sector was democratised.