Brussels, 27/06/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 27 June, the European Commission approved €50 million in national aid for the sugar cane-rum sector in the French overseas departments (DOM). The aid is in the form of a reduction in excise duty on traditional rum produced in these most remote regions. The Commission took account of the specific situation of the DOM (remoteness, insularity etc.). The aid scheme will contribute to regional development by saving ten distilleries in Guadeloupe, nine in Martinique, three in Reunion and one in French Guiana. The sugar cane-rum sector is of great economic importance, as one of the major jobs providers in Martinique, Guadeloupe and Réunion (40,000 jobs, over 20,000 of which are directly dependent on the sector). (lc)