Press Release - The 24th ASEAN Energy Business Forum Set to be Hosted by Lao PDR's Ministry of Energy and Mines and Organised by the ASEAN Centre for Energy

Vientiane, 27 June 2024 – The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) will be organising the 24th ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF-24) from 25-27 September 2024 at the Lao National Convention Centre, hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) of Lao PDR as part of the country’s ASEAN Chairmanship. Held in conjunction with the 42nd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM-42), the forum aligns with Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship under the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience,” providing a platform for knowledge exchange among government officials, academics, industry leaders, investors, and energy experts.
 
During the media briefing, Dr. Soukvisan Khinsamone, Deputy Director General of Department of Planning and Cooperation, Ministry of Energy and Mines of Lao PDR, remarked, “Hosting AEBF-24 is a testament to Lao PDR’s commitment to advancing regional cooperation in the energy sector. This forum will not only showcase Lao PDR' advancements in sustainable energy but also strengthen our collective efforts towards a resilient and interconnected ASEAN energy future.
 
As ASEAN Chair, Lao PDR is uniquely positioned to influence the regional energy agenda. The AEBF-24 will serve as a critical platform for Lao PDR to showcase its energy priorities, including enhancing energy security, promoting renewable energy, and advancing regional energy connectivity. This forum will enable Lao PDR alongside ACE to lead discussions on sustainable energy solutions, which are crucial for the region’s economic and environmental resilience.
 
Dr. Andy Tirta, Head of Corporate Affairs, ASEAN Centre for Energy & Chairman of AEBF-24, emphasised ACE’s commitment to supporting Lao PDR’s chairmanship. He stated, “AEBF-24 will not only support Lao PDR's energy priorities but also contribute to the regional targets of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) Phase II: 2021-2025 as the region’s energy blueprint. This forum will foster collaboration and showcase innovations from the triple helix, which are governments, the private sector, and academia.”

AEBF-24 will feature a variety of activities, including a high-level plenary session, the Minister-CEO Dialogue, the 4th ASEAN International Conference on Energy and Environment (AICEE), and the launch presentation of the 8th ASEAN Energy Outlook (AEO8). Key topics include ASEAN Power Grid, trans-ASEAN gas pipelines, the electric vehicle ecosystem, hydropower potential, bioenergy, hydrogen development and many more. 
 
Building on the success of last year’s forum, which saw over 1500 attendees and featured more than 200 high-level speakers across 18 sessions, this year’s event promises to be equally impactful. The delegates of AEBF will have the opportunity to network, join the business matching and forge partnerships in advancing ASEAN's energy security and transition efforts.
 
Additionally, to mark the start of the first day of AEBF-24, ACE will also be organising the ASEAN Green Transport Rally (GTR) 2024 with the theme of "Journey to Green Mobility," which will underscore the region’s efforts to reduce transportation emissions. The rally, using different types of sustainable vehicles, will journey from Indonesia to Lao PDR, and will arrive at the Lao National Convention Centre where the AEBF-24 will be held.
 
For more details about AEBF-24, please visit https://asean-aebf.com