1. The 3rd ASEAN + 3 (China, Japan and Korea) Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM+3) was held on July 27, 2006 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The Meeting was chaired by H.E. Dr. Bosaykham Vongdara, Minister of Energy and Mines of Lao PDR and was attended by the Ministers on Energy from the ASEAN member countries, China, Japan and Korea.
2. We discussed key energy concerns to achieve our goals of greater energy stability, security, and sustainability through the ASEAN+3 Energy Partnership, taking note of the progress of discussions at five fora in the past year.
3. We welcomed the presentation by the International Energy Agency (IEA) on “Global Energy Trends, the Role of Technology, the Impact of High Energy Prices” which provided us a clear understanding on the adverse impacts of high energy prices on each of our countries. In this context, we acknowledged that improving energy efficiency and conservation (EE&C) is one of the most effective tools to overcome the current serious situation. We also agreed to implement cooperative measures in response to this factor. We welcomed the IEA’s initiative to identify best practices, review existing standards and codes and develop new energy indicators for energy intensive sectors. We also welcomed the announcement by Japan on “Asian Energy Conservation Program”.
4. We recognized that oil stockpiling is increasingly important among emergency response measures for enhanced energy security. We respect the outcome of studies on oil stockpiling in Vietnam jointly implemented by Japan and Vietnam. We hope that the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam will voluntarily take further steps to develop national oil stockpiling programs on the basis of these studies, with additional support from Japan and Korea. We encouraged other ASEAN countries to consider conducting studies for their own national stockpiling programs. We welcomed that China is steadily implementing a national oil stockpiling program.
5. Recognizing our leaders’ intentions as indicated at the ASEAN+3 Summit on December 13, 2005 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, we focused on the importance of alternative energy sources, especially renewable energy. We agreed to pursue a joint study to facilitate both R&D and utilization of renewable energy, taking into account each country’s experiences and expertise We shared the understanding that utilization of renewable energy is advantageous not only for establishing a stable energy supply but also for environmental management and rural electrification. We expect that the newly introduced renewable energy training program of Japan will be implemented in close cooperation with ASEAN + 3 initiatives.
6. As an oil-consuming region, we expressed concern about the high, volatile oil prices, which have a negative influence on both oil-producing and oil-consuming countries. In response to the current serious situation, we proposed to have a dialogue with oil-producing countries in the Middle East to promote mutual understanding and cooperation. We shall pursue initiatives and innovative technologies to achieve market stability with reasonable prices to sustain global economic growth and steady revenue streams for producing countries as well as environmentally conducive to the expansion of downstream and upstream capacity to meet rising international demand for conventional fuels. We also noted the importance of streamlined energy statistics in developing market transparency.
7. We reiterate the importance in encouraging energy cooperation and integration, energy security, cross-border energy trade and investment in the development of energy interconnection networks including hydropower projects and the ASEAN Power Grids. We acknowledged the role of the Energy Charter Treaty in promoting energy security. We look positively at the increasing interest shown by some ASEAN + 3 countries to deepen the understanding of the Energy Charter process.
8. We acknowledged that natural gas is one important alternative energy source and that ASEAN has a large potential supply. Moreover, we shared the understanding that it is beneficial for both gas-producing and gas-consuming countries to discuss a wide variety of issues to promote active gas trade and utilization among ASEAN + 3.
9. We acknowledged that biofuel program shall have a much greater potential in the energy security measures practicing in the ASEAN + 3 countries. We emphasized the requirement for closer cooperation and exchange of experience in promoting the biofuel program.
10. We agreed to support the activities of the ASEAN Forum on Coal to discuss coal-related issues: efficient use of coal including clean coal technologies, coal trade, and regulation and environmental concerns in coal use. ASEAN welcomed the participation of the +3 countries in the forum.
11. We welcomed the fact that the ASEAN+3 Energy Security Communication System has been developed successfully. We hope that the system will be utilized effectively as a tool for timely emergency response.
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List of Ministers
- H.E. Pehin Dato Haji Yahya, Minister of Energy in the Prime Minister’s Office for Brunei Darussalam;
- H.E. Mr. Suy Sem, Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy for Cambodia;
- H.E. Mr. Deming Chen, Vice Chairman of National Development and Reform Commission for China;
- H.E. Dr. Purnomo Yusgiantoro, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources for Indonesia;
- H.E. Mr. Yutaka Kobayashi, Vice Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry for Japan;
- H.E. Mr. Won-Gul Lee, Vice Minister for Commerce, Industry and Energy for Korea;
- H.E. Dr. Bosaykham Vongdara, Minister of Energy and Mines for Lao PDR;
- H.E. Dato’ Shaziman Abu Mansor, Deputy Minister of Energy, Water and Communications of Malaysia;
- H.E. Brig. Gen. Than Htay, Vice Minister of Energy for Myanmar;
- H.E. Mr. Raphael P. M. Lotilla, Secretary of Energy for the Philippines;
- H.E. Mr. S. Iswaran, Minister of State (Trade and Industry) for Singapore;
- H.E. Dr. Viset Choopiban, Minister of Energy for Thailand;
- H.E. Mr. Hoang Trung Hai, Minister of Industry for Viet Nam; and
- H.E Mr. Nicholas T. Dammen, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN.
