Cooperation on energy under discussion

This 32nd Senior Officials on Energy meeting is running for five days till Friday, after being opened by Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines Viraphonh Viravong. 

The meeting will examine various issues in the lead-up to the 32nd Asean Ministers on Energy Meeting set to take place in Vientiane in September. 

At the ministerial meeting in September, the participating delegates will follow up on the Asean Action Plan for Energy Cooperation, which aims to secure energy security and sustainability in the Asean region, Viraphonh said at the opening of the meeting. 

It will be also provide a chance for officials of Asean countries and dialogue partners to meet and explore ways to accelerate cooperation in the energy sector and energy integration for Asean prosperity, he said. 

Asean is one of the world’s fastest growing economic regions and with the rapid economic growth comes an urgent need to meet growing demand for energy, Viraphonh explained. 

In other parts of the world, however, economic uncertainty has created some volatility in energy markets. 

To cope with this and to reduce dependence on oil imports and other fuels, we must promote energy efficiency, conservation and develop renewable energy sources, he said. 

Viraphonh called for greater cooperation and integration in the region and also renewed efforts to improve energy efficiency. 

He said countries with abundant natural resources can generate income from surplus energy exports while countries with high energy demand can meet energy shortfalls with imports from neighbouring countries at a reasonable cost.