The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) in India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to jointly address India’s development challenges. 

As agreed under the newly formed partnership, member companies of IACC will integrate their CSR funds with USAID/India’s programs in sectors ranging from maternal and child health; tuberculosis; HIV/AIDS; energy/environment and forestry; water and sanitation, gender and women’s empowerment; and issues concerning youth.  Both organizations will also work together to identify innovations and models that benefit the base-of-the-pyramid population in India, and collaborate to leverage external resources for development programs.

Speaking at the event after signing the agreement, Mark Anthony White, Mission Director, USAID/India, said, “I am very proud to formalize this partnership with IACC. Partnerships and alliances are key to achieving development outcomes. Through this MOU, we are providing a greater opportunity to the U.S. and Indian private sector to actively engage with the government and contribute in India’s development journey by infusing capital and finding effective solutions.”

S. K. Sarkar, National President, IACC, stated: “This year, IACC’s focus is on ‘Strategizing an eternal Economic Partnership through American Cutting Edge Technology and Indian Skilled Workforce’. Technology, we feel, is a great leveller and, besides business and governance, catalyzes welfare schemes through strong platforms to reach out to target groups touching their felt needs, wish lists and satisfaction levels. It is our earnest desire to partner with USAID in an effort to create an ecosystem that hones human skills and encourages innovation and transparency.”

USAID is the United States Government’s leading development and humanitarian assistance agency. IACC is an association of American and Indian business organizations operating in India and the U.S., boosting a pan-India membership of 2,400 companies.