ASEAN ministers call for greater energy stability, security, sustainability

ASEAN energy ministers on Wednesday called for strengthening cooperation among the member countries to promote greater energy stability, security and sustainability in the region.

In a joint media statement issued at the conclusion of the 23rd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM), ministers appeal to put high priority to promotion of energy efficiency in the transportation and industrial sectors, "as this may be one of the most economical and effective way to mitigate the adverse impacts of higher oil prices."

ASEAN will continue to implement efficient policy programs to encourage the use of energy labels and standards to improve energy efficiency of appliances and equipment, the statement said.

Meanwhile, ministers agreed to intensify effort to promote public-private partnership in promoting solar, wind, geothermal, hydro and biomass energy. "We are committed to create a favorable investment climate in the oil, gas and electricity industries in the region," they said.

They also promised to promote the use of natural gas through the cross-border Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline Project.

Moreover, ASEAN ministers agreed to strengthen cooperation with their partners -- China, Japan and South Korea -- through an array of joint programs under the ASEAN+3 energy cooperation framework,

The cooperation will focus on coordinated efforts to integrate alternative and renewable energy sources into the regional energy supply chain, undertaking feasibility studies on oil stockpiles, cooperating closely to maintain the stability of the energy market and preparing contingencies for supply disruptions.

Besides ASEAN energy ministers, ASEAN Secretary General Ong Keng Yong also attended the one-day meeting held in the Cambodia's temple town of Siem Reap. The ministers also met with officials from China, Japan and South Korea.

ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam.

The 24th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting will be held in Vientiane, Laos in 2006, according to the statement.

Source: Xinhua