Washington, April 15:

As the Indian and Chinese markets continue their rapid growth, 17 American companies embark on a mission from April 18 to 25 to offer the two countries innovative solutions to their energy needs.

The mission will aim to match US companies with opportunities in these fast-growing markets, where American clean technology goods and services can help improve the environment, US commerce assistant secretary David Bohigian announced yesterday.

“The firms participating in the Clean-Energy Technologies Trade Mission range from startups to multi-billion dollar enterprises,” said Bohigian. “As the Chinese and Indian markets continue their rapid gro-wth, they will encounter unprecedented energy and environmental challenges. US companies of all sizes have an opportunity to take a leadership role in providing innovative solutions to energy needs in an environmentally responsible way.”

The 17 high-technology US companies specialise in the renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean coal and distributed generation sectors, Bohigian said. They represent innovative solutions to China’s and India’s energy and environmental challenges and are potential partners to India’s business and government leaders. All companies belong to industries promoted by the Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate. It is a presidential initiative to achieve a reduction in the intensity of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy security, in the context of sustained growth.