New Delhi, Jul 30 (IANS): The US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the American Chamber of Commerce in India on Monday announced the signing of a pact to address India's development needs.

According to a joint statement released by the two organisations, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed to strengthen the partnership between the US government and the country's private sector to address India's development needs.

The announcement comes on the day of the launch of the high-level Indo-Pacific Business Forum in Washington, which is expected to bring together senior leaders from the US government and business to discuss how government tools and policies can facilitate private sector partnerships.

The agreement has been signed to address the issues relating to the maternal and child health; tuberculosis; HIV/AIDS; energy, environment and forestry; water and sanitation; gender and women's empowerment; and the youth.