USAID Sponsors Seminar on Developing Regional Energy Markets

February 25, 2008

NEW DELHI –The U.S. Agency for International Development’s South Asia Regional Initiative for Energy (SARI/E) program inaugurated its five-day seminar “Global Energy Markets Trade” at the Sheraton Hotel here today. Representatives from energy sectors in South Asian countries and the U.S. are participating in this week's workshops.

Keynote speaker Steven J. White, Deputy Chief of the U.S. Mission to India noted during his opening session speech that, “The U.S. believes that regional cooperation and integration are key elements of long-term energy security in this region. The ability to secure sufficient energy supplies at a reasonable cost to the economy and with minimal social impact, has become a policy imperative throughout the region.” Mr. White focused on U.S. support for energy sector development in the region, and the importance of energy security in pursuing economic growth for individual countries and the region.

The conference has brought together more than 30 energy sector representatives from South Asian countries to familiarize decision makers representing countries participating in the USAID's South Asia Regional Initiative for Energy program with current global energy data and best practices on issues affecting regional energy market development.

The program promotes energy security in South Asia through three main activities areas: cross border energy trade, energy markets, and clean energy access partnerships. Through these activities, it facilitates more efficient regional energy resource utilization, works toward transparent and profitable energy practices, mitigates the environmental impacts of energy production, and increases regional access to energy. The countries included under the initiative are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.