The Business Action for Sustainable Development (BASD), an umbrella initiative representing more than 150 local and foreign corporations at the summit, said business was at its best when there were clear goals and practical targets to achieve.

"These give us a framework for entrepreneurial opportunities, long-term planning and partnership possibilities.

"So we are rolling up our sleeves to help make it happen," the initiative said in a statement.

World leaders are set to adopt the Plan of Implementation later on Wednesday following two weeks of negotiations at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD).

The blueprint, which includes time-frames and targets on various issues, including on sanitation delivery and biodiversity, aims to help cut poverty while protecting the environment.

The BASD said it also welcomed the growing realisation that business was an indispensable part of the solution to the problems of the world.

"We have improved our relationships with government, NGOs and others. Together we will turn the idea of sustainable development through practical partnerships into a growing reality on the ground.

"As we move forward the view of business could be summarised in the words of Elvis Presley: A little less conversation, a little more action.?