The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

The Netherlands Agency for International Business and Cooperation (EVD) has launched a new fund for entrepreneurs in developing countries, including Bangladesh.

The EVD launched the fund 'Private Sector Investment Programme' (PSI) for Dutch and foreign companies for providing long-term cooperation in developing countries, said a press release.

The objectives of PSI are to stimulate financial growth, create employment opportunities and generate income in developing countries.

This is achieved by providing companies with an opportunity to make an innovative investment together with a local partner.

The EVD carries out the PSI for the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Development Cooperation.

The closing date of the first PSI tender for 2009 is on February 2, 2009, at 17,00 GMT-1. The original documents must be received within time by the EVD. The maximum budget per project is 1.5 million Euro of which 50 per cent will be provided in the form of a grant.

The PSI has two granting procedures a year, the first PSI tender 2009 is on 2 February next.

The second PSI tender will be closed on 24 August 2009. The Intake documents and PSI programme guidelines can be found at www.evd.ni/psi.