The Department of Energy (DOE), Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and the Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc. are forming a partnership to create clean energy initiatives that would be suitable for the needs of Southeast Asia region.
The two countries aim “to help accelerate the development and utilization of cleaner energy and low carbon technologies within the ASEAN region.”
Discussions on such efforts had been conducted in Manila, with the Philippines’ energy department taking the lead.
DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi said the event was “significant for us in the ASEAN, as it has brought governments and the private sector together in one setting, providing a venue for multisectoral discussions on investment opportunities; industry innovations; and energy project financing.”
“Governments cannot stand alone in sustaining a fully vibrant energy sector that is able to actively contribute to a country’s robust economic growth,” Cusi was quoted in a Manila Bulletin report.
He also said that bilateral and multilateral dialogues are needed especially among clusters that share the same goals for a cleaner energy future.
The DOE Secretary also claimed that the Philippines is making an effort, highlighting its support in the implementation of the ASEAN Plan of Action on Energy Cooperation.
The bilateral meeting between Cusi and METI’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister Shuji Miyamoto opened discussions around energy sector developments in both countries.