Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)– Participants from across South Asia are taking part in a U.S. government-sponsored workshop on clean energy aiming to facilitate energy security in the region.

Energy Advisor to the Prime Minister Dr. Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, and USAID Mission Director Denise Rollins inaugurated the three-day workshop in the capital, Dhaka on Wednesday.

Workshop participants will highlight energy conservation techniques, showcase best practices, and share new information on energy management and greenhouse gas reduction strategies.

The U.S. Government, through USAID’s South Asia Regional Initiative for Energy (SARI/Energy) program, is funding this important program.

The workshop is co-sponsored by the Infrastructure Development Company of Bangladesh (IDCOL), a major financer of renewable energy in Bangladesh, and the United States Energy Association (USEA), an implementing partner for the SARI/Energy program.

USAID/SARI promotes energy security in South Asia by facilitating efficient utilization of regional energy resources, increasing transparent and profitable energy practice, mitigating the environmental impacts of energy production, and increasing regional access to clean energy.

BBN/SS/SI/AD-10June09-11:45 pm (BST)