President Bush arrived in Brazil last night, greeted by about 6,000 environmentalist protesters, to finalize an agreement today with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to try to expand ethanol production and use in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The two also hope to create an international standard for ethanol fuel that could foster a robust global market.

Bush and Brazilian President said increasing alternative fuel use will lead to more jobs, a cleaner environment and greater independence from the oil market.

"It makes sense for us to collaborate for the sake of mankind," Bush said, "We see the bright and real potential for our citizens being able to use alternative sources of energy that will promote the common good."

Ethanol, which is produced from sugar crops, can be blended with petrol in varying quantities to reduce consumption of petroleum fuels and reduce air pollution. In Brazil, ethanol-gasoline mix called that now accounts for 40 percent of automobile fuel used in the country.

It's the eighth trip to Latin America for President Bush. Bush's trip also includes visits to Uruguay, Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico.

The beginning of the five-nation Latin American tour sparked protests across the region, with thousands of demonstrators and police clashing in Brazil.

More than 6,000 students, environmentalists and left-leaning Brazilians held a largely peaceful march through the heart of Sao Paulo before police fired tear gas at protesters and beat them with batons. The marchers waved communist flags and railed against Bush, the war in Iraq and the ethanol proposal.

Hundreds fled and ducked into businesses to avoid the chaos, some of them were wounded. Brazilian media said at least 18 people were hurt.