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2024 Sep 27

ASEAN Centre for Energy and JETRO Sign MoU to Strengthen Energy Cooperation at the 24th ASEAN Energy Business Forum

Vientiane, 30 September 2024 – The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday, 27 September 2024, aimed at enhancing collaboration on energy transitions across ASEAN. This MoU marks a significant milestone in advancing the region's energy security and sustainability efforts, reflecting the growing momentum at the 24th ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF-24).

The signing ceremony, as part of the AEBF-24, reaffirms ACE and JETRO’s shared commitment to foster energy cooperation that is crucial for ASEAN's transition towards a sustainable and low-carbon energy future. The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for joint initiatives aimed at promoting clean energy technologies, facilitating business collaboration between ASEAN and Japanese industries to accelerate the implementation of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC).

The MoU was signed by Beni Suryadi, Acting Executive Director of ACE, and Mr. Takahashi Masakazu, President Director of JETRO Jakarta. Through this cooperation, both parties will engage in knowledge exchange and capacity building, including seminars and expert workshops, thereby strengthening ties between ASEAN and Japan in the energy sector.

This partnership represents a key step toward achieving net-zero emissions in the region, focusing on promoting the use of biomass, electric vehicles, and financial mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

Beni Suryadi, Acting Executive Director of ACE, highlighted the importance of the agreement in his statement, "This partnership with JETRO is a major step forward in our efforts to advance energy security, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability in the ASEAN region. By 2040, ASEAN's energy demand is projected to grow by over 60%, making it critical to adopt innovative solutions and sustainable practices. Through this collaboration, we are not only promoting technological and business innovations but also driving the adoption of clean energy, contributing to our goal of a 23% renewable energy share in the total primary energy supply. Together, we are fostering energy connectivity and resilience for all our member states.”

Mr. Takahashi Masakazu, President Director of JETRO Jakarta, echoed his excitement for the upcoming cooperation, “We are excited to strengthen our partnership with ACE at such a pivotal time for ASEAN’s energy future. Japan has long been committed to supporting clean energy transitions, and this MoU reflects our shared vision for advancing sustainable energy solutions in the region. By leveraging Japan’s expertise in technologies like biomass, electric vehicles, and smart grids, we aim to contribute meaningfully to ASEAN’s net-zero emissions targets. Together with ACE, we will create opportunities for business collaboration and innovation that will drive long-term energy security and sustainability across ASEAN.”

The cooperation between ACE and JETRO continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the ASEAN region’s transition towards clean and sustainable energy, aligning with ASEAN's broader objectives under the APAEC framework. As the region looks to future energy challenges, this MoU exemplifies the importance of international partnerships in advancing energy security, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability in the region.