USAID-Sponsored Meeting Brings Investors to Look at Emerging Green Businesses in India

April 26, 2007

NEW DELHI –New Ventures India, a program funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), sponsored an international conference today bringing together international investors and experts on finance to discuss development opportunities for environmentally friendly businesses in India.

The conference, “Emerging Business Opportunities in India and Venture Capital Finance,” was organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry-Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Center and the Indian Venture Capital Association.

Speaking at the inaugural session, USAID India Mission Director George Deikun said, “With New Ventures, India aims to create a pipeline of profitable and environment friendly enterprises. Over the next few years, this initiative will create a universe of investors, business leaders, partner organizations, government organizations, and sponsors which will support the program and its goals.”

New Ventures India’s goal is to achieve at least 61 crores Indian rupees ($15 million) invested in at least 20 sustainable and green businesses by 2008 in areas such as green building materials, energy efficiency products and services, renewable energy, and water products and technologies.

Related Link: Read text of George Deikun's speech