Countries to forge closer energy partnership
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-06-10 15:56

ASEAN energy ministers and their counterparts from China, Japan and South Korea vowed in Manila, Philippines Wednesday to forge closer energy partnership to face the challenges in the energy sector in Asia amid highly volatile world oil prices.

During their first ever formal meeting, the energy ministers from the 10-member ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) plus three discussed such issues as natural gas, oil market, oil stockpiling, renewable energy and energy security.

"Recognizing Asia's growing demand for energy and depletion of fossil fuels, we resolve to achieve, through ASEAN Energy Partnership, our common goal of greater energy security and sustainability in our region which will become the largest energy consuming region in the world," the ministers said in a joint statement issued at the end of the meeting.

They committed to enhance energy exploration and wider use of indigenous energy resources in recognition of the expected increase of the region's dependency on imported oil in the future.

On oil stockpiling, the ministers welcomed the initiative of China to establish a national oil stockpile program, in addition to the existing oil stockpile programs of Japan and South Korea.

They said they look forward to initiatives in ASEAN to develop oil stockpiles on a voluntary basis. They welcomed Japan's intention to provide financial aid for feasibility studies for oil stockpiling and are expecting technical assistance from Japan and South Korea for planning, establishing and/or managing such programs in the region.

On oil market, the ministers said they will encourage market oriented pricing for spot and futures trading for crude oil and petroleum products in the regional oil market.

To increase available oil supply options, they will also encourage diversifying oil import sources as well as intensify exploration and development of petroleum resources in the region.

"Recognizing our shared interest in promoting stable and secure energy markets, we will pursue dialogues and partnerships outside the region, particularly with Middle East oil producing countries at various levels amongst various parties," they said.

Meanwhile, they promised to address mutually beneficial issues and concerns in promoting investment in the exploration and production of natural gas, and encourage the development and wider use of renewable energy for energy security and the sustainability of environment.

On energy security, the ministers recognized the need to enhance the regional capacity for timely emergency response by sharing information on a voluntary basis.

They also agreed to strengthen their efforts for energy efficiency and conservation as well as the dissemination of clean coal technology in the region.

Earlier Wednesday, ASEAN energy ministers held their 22nd meeting and adopted a five-year plan of action, which calls for sustainable energy development, enhancing the integration of the regional energy infrastructure, promoting energy security, creating progressive policies for market reforms and liberalization, as well as addressing the environment concerns.

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

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