Photovoltaic Market Transformation Initiative 2006 Retreat

The 2006 PVMTI business retreat was held from 17th – 22nd December 2006 in India. This was the first time that IFC, the External Management Team (EMT) and the sponsor companies from the focus countries (India, Kenya and Morocco) came together under one roof.

The event included presentations from existing investee companies and companies that could be financed under PVMTI. Throughout those presentations the opportunity was offered to discover the specifications of each market and to learn from each company’s experience. Each presentation was followed by detailed interaction amongst the participants which provided an excellent platform for many interesting and fruitful discussions.

Formal business presentation days interspersed with field visits and cultural visits. Informal interaction during those days identified clear opportunities for exchange of technical know how and financial models.

The week was finally concluded by one on one meeting between IFC and the investee companies. Those discussions provided IFC with updates on each company and contributed to maintain a trustful relationship.

Overall the event was an exciting one with a productive network being established amongst the participants. IFC and the EMT look forward to keep this interaction alive to share experiences amongst the focus countries and exchange ideas, concepts and information.

IFC and EMT have identified various avenues for follow up after the retreat. These can largely be classified as:

Potential for new short term financing deals in Morocco
Capacity building projects in each of the 3 countries
Establish a means of continued interaction amongst the various PVMTI players.

These avenues ensure that the remaining PVMTI funds are used in the more efficient manner and PVMTI’s objective of making PV a sustainable proposition is also met.