The Indian delegation, headed by Secretary of the Department of Commerce, Shri Sunil Barthwal, participated in the inaugural Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Clean Economy Investor Forum. This forum aimed to mobilize investments into sustainable infrastructure, climate technology, and renewable energy projects in the Indo-Pacific region.
Commerce Secretary’s Address and Key Highlights
Shri Sunil Barthwal acknowledged the significance of the forum in bringing together global investors, project proponents, policymakers, and academia to advance sustainable infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific Region. He highlighted India’s substantial investment opportunities of over USD 500 billion by 2030, particularly in the clean energy value chain. Key reforms in India’s business environment over the last decade were also emphasized.
Participation and Shortlisting in Sustainable Infrastructure and Climate Tech Tracks
Over 300 participants from financial institutions, multilateral development banks, venture capital funds, and government agencies actively participated in the forum. Four Indian companies were shortlisted to pitch their concepts on energy transition, transport and logistics, and waste management to global investors in the Sustainable Infrastructure track. Additionally, ten Indian start-ups and companies were selected to pitch their innovative climate tech solutions.
Catalyzing Investment and Operational Launch of Funds
The forum resulted in USD 23 billion in investment opportunities for sustainable infrastructure projects in the Indo-Pacific. The operational launch of the IPEF Catalytic Capital Fund was announced, aimed at deploying concessional financing, technical assistance, and capacity-building support for clean economy infrastructure projects. A coalition of investors committed to injecting USD 25 billion in infrastructure investments in emerging markets.
Key Agreements and Partnerships
Significant agreements were signed during the event, including an Offtake Agreement between Sembcorp Green Hydrogen India Private Limited, Kyushu Electric, and Sojitz for the production and export of green ammonia from India to Japan. This aligns with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Panel Discussions and Stakeholder Interaction
Panel discussions covered topics such as sustainable infrastructure investment, bridging the gap between innovators and investors, and trade and investment policies for sustainable growth. Stakeholders discussed how IPEF agreements would facilitate investments, concessional financing, collaborative projects, and capacity-building support.
Statements by Key Figures
Additional Secretary of the Department of Commerce, Shri Rajesh Agrawal, highlighted the facilitation of investments and collaborations through IPEF agreements, particularly benefiting Indian companies and start-ups. Ms. Nivruti Rai of Invest India expressed enthusiasm for the forum’s establishment and its focus on fostering a clean economy in the Indo-Pacific.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Who led the Indian delegation at the inaugural IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum?
- A) Shri Rajesh Agrawal
- B) Ms. Nivruti Rai
- C) Shri Sunil Barthwal
- D) Shri Sunil Agrawal
Answer: C) Shri Sunil Barthwal
- How much investment opportunities were generated for sustainable infrastructure projects in the Indo-Pacific as a result of the forum?
- A) USD 25 billion
- B) USD 33 million
- C) USD 23 billion
- D) USD 900 million
Answer: C) USD 23 billion
- How many Indian companies were shortlisted to pitch their concepts on energy transition, transport and logistics, and waste management to global investors?
- A) Four
- B) Ten
- C) Eight
- D) Six
Answer: A) Four
- What is the primary objective of the IPEF Catalytic Capital Fund?
- A) To provide equity investments in clean economy infrastructure projects
- B) To deploy concessional financing and support for resilient and inclusive infrastructure projects
- C) To fund research and development in climate technology
- D) To facilitate trade agreements between Indo-Pacific countries
Answer: B) To deploy concessional financing and support for resilient and inclusive infrastructure projects
- Who expressed enthusiasm for the establishment of the forum and its focus on fostering a clean economy in the Indo-Pacific?
- A) Shri Sunil Barthwal
- B) Shri Rajesh Agrawal
- C) Ms. Nivruti Rai
- D) Sembcorp Green Hydrogen India Private Limited
Answer: C) Ms. Nivruti Rai