The Hindu : New Delhi News : Spotlight on energy markets

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Mar 22, 2006

New Delhi

New Delhi

Spotlight on energy markets

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: A two-day seminar on `Developing Energy Markets' funded by the U.S Agency for International Development's South Asia Regional Initiative for Energy (SARI/Energy) began here on Tuesday.

Representatives from South Asian and African countries as well as from the U.S. are participating in the seminar. Welcoming the delegates at the seminar, Robert Blake, Charge d' Affaires, U.S. Embassy, said: "This gathering is a valuable opportunity to bring together representatives from the region to openly discuss trade and investment opportunities in energy. Increased competition and improved market structures will spur investments and trade in energy in South Asia. We stand ready to support efforts to boost energy markets, increase investment and strengthen trade linkages within South Asia."

The seminar is aimed at promoting competitive commercial practices and market structures in South Asian countries and to foster public private partnerships for regional trade and investment.

The participants will also discuss developments in energy markets around the world, case studies on market structures that enable infrastructure development and cross-border trade and national approaches to energy security within South Asia.