7.02.2007 - 02:57pm ET

(CSRwire) WASHINGTON, D.C.- July 2, 2007—The World Environment Center (WEC) today announced the extension of a cooperative agreement with the United States Agency for International Development (AID) on enhancing sustainable private sector development in El Salvador. The extension will incorporate $188,000 additional funds to focus specifically on national energy efficiency issues.

Building on the year and a half success of WEC's Alliance for Private Sector Competitiveness in El Salvador, WEC has effectively worked with the Salvadoran ministries of Economy and Environment , the top-ranked national industry and agricultural associations, and US government and corporations. The Alliance promotes national economic development in El Salvador through strengthening the ability of Salvadoran enterprises to produce products, goods and services in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner.

The issue of energy efficiency has the attention of both the private sector and the government in El Salvador as it not only is significant to competitive efforts, but also to the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) environmental agreements.

"Our activities with US AID and the Salvadoran government and industry have developed into a truly successful partnership by establishing a track record of working with both public and private sectors, through roundtables, cleaner production work, supply chain projects, and financing for the implementation of projects." said WEC President and CEO, Terry F. Yosie, "Even greater success can be achieved with this new addition to the agreement."

The WEC team will work with the Ministry of Economy and its Department of Energy on the energy efficiency strategy within El Salvador's national energy policy, conduct energy audits, and provide training on energy audits. This additional initiative represents a unique opportunity to build on previous efforts to expand on the market aspects that will allow energy efficiency activities to flourish in El Salvador.

About the World Environment Center

WEC is an independent, non-profit, non-advocacy organization. Working with the private sector, international organizations, government agencies, academia and non-government organizations it advances sustainable development around the world through direct, on-the-ground initiatives and projects that improve environment, health and safety, the efficient use of natural resources and business operations.
To learn more, visit www.wec.org

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