Kuala Lumpur (VNA) — The 43rd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM-43) and related sessions, along with the 25th ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF-25), officially opened in Kuala Lumpur on October 16 under the chair of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The meeting brought together energy ministers from ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste, as well as senior representatives from dialogue partners and international organisations.
The Vietnamese delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long.
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stressed that ASEAN member states must redouble their efforts and strengthen cooperation to advance regional energy connectivity. He described the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) as the “backbone” of regional energy collaboration that links sustainability, security, and affordability across the bloc. With unity of purpose, he said, ASEAN can balance the energy trilemma and drive regional growth for decades to come.
The meeting adopted the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026–2030, which sets ambitious targets, including a 40% reduction in energy intensity, a 30% share of renewable energy in the total primary energy supply, and achieving 45% renewable energy generation in installed capacity by 2030. These goals reinforce ASEAN’s vision of a clean, resilient, and interconnected energy system.
Among the key initiatives endorsed were the Enhanced Memorandum of Understanding on the ASEAN Power Grid, the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the ASEAN Long-Term Renewable Energy Roadmap, and the ASEAN Power Grid Financing Initiative (APGF), led by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank (WB). These frameworks aim to mobilise blended financing for cross-border connectivity projects and accelerate regional power grid integration.
Running in parallel with AMEM-43, the AEBF-25 brought together policymakers, corporate leaders, investors, and innovators to discuss mobilising public-private partnerships and green finance for the energy transition.
Themed “Powering ASEAN: Bridging Boundaries, Building Prosperity,” the event reflected Malaysia’s commitment to deeper regional cooperation and sustainable growth. As ASEAN moves toward a low-carbon and interconnected energy future, these shared outcomes reaffirm the bloc’s determination to achieve a just, inclusive, and sustainable energy transition - aligned with the principles of shared prosperity, innovation, and environmental stewardship.
The AMEM-43 and AEBF-25 events will continue through October 17, featuring ministerial discussions, partner dialogues, and business-to-business exchanges./.
