ASEAN ministers to discuss cooperation for greener & more energy-efficient region

Ministers from the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will focus on ways to cooperate better and work closely for a greener and more energy efficient region at the 30th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM). 

Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said they'll review progress on the implementation of the ASEAN Plan of Action on Energy Cooperation 2010-2015, in particular the regional connectivity projects, such as the ASEAN Power Grid and the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline. 

They'll also look into initiatives to step up efforts to ensure secure, competitive and sustainable energy supplies for the region. 

The AMEM, whose theme is "ASEAN Green Connectivity", will be held Wednesday in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. 

MTI said nuclear power remains a long-term option for the region's energy needs. 

As such, collective efforts to develop ASEAN's nuclear safety capabilities, as well as a coordinated approach on regional nuclear emergency preparedness and response mechanisms in collaboration with international partners, will also be discussed. 

As with previous years, the ASEAN Ministers will be joined by their key energy Dialogue Partners and International Organisations, namely Australia, New Zealand, India, China, Japan, Korea, Russia, the US and the International Energy Agency (IEA). 

Singapore's Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Home Affairs and Trade & Industry, Mr S Iswaran, will attend AMEM and related meetings in Phnom Penh. 

He'll be accompanied by officials from MTI and the Energy Market Authority.