Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Dang Hoang An (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - A dialoguewas held between ASEAN energy ministers and the International Energy Agency(IEA) via videoconference in Hanoi on November 19.
According to Deputy Minister of Industry andTrade Dang Hoang An, ASEAN boasts among the world’s most dynamic economicdevelopment, with total GDP topping 3.2 trillion USD and trade reaching about2.8 trillion USD in 2019.
Fast economic growth is being accompanied by a rapidincrease in energy demand, posing considerable challenges to every membercountry to meet such demand while realising commitments to sustainabledevelopment and environmental protection.
To achieve these goals, apart from the efforts ofeach member state, ASEAN needs support from development partners andinternational organisations, including the IEA, he said.
As an important partner of ASEAN, the IEA hascarried out many activities to help the region deal with energy challenges, he noted,adding that aside from technical support it has also helped member countriesoverhaul their energy policies.
Despite the substantial impact of COVID-19, theagency has maintained its support for ASEAN to implement cooperationactivities, especially those prioritised for 2020.
An expressed his hope that the meeting would helppush the implementation of the two sides’ three-year rolling work programme for2019-2021, to help cement an ASEAN of peace, prosperity, and sustainability./.
