The ASEM Forum on Energy Security Policy in Hanoi from 11-12 April 2008:

The first ASEM Forum on Energy Security Policy is to be co-organized by Vietnam’s Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Melia Hotel, Hanoi from 11 – 12 April 2008. The forum will focus on three topics as follows:
- Energy security policy and solution to ensure energy security
- Energy security and sustainable development
- ASEM cooperation to promote energy security and sustainable development

Deputy Prime Ministry, Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Gia Khiem will deliver the opening speech.

Energy issue and building policies to ensure energy supply for sustainable development is a leading concern of governments. Therefore, Vietnam’s proposal to organize the ASEM Forum on Energy Security Policy put forth at the 6th ASEM Summit was actively supported by other ASEM members and the forum is considered an important event of the ASEM cooperation. So far 38 of 45 ASEM members have assigned delegates to attend the forum, of which more than 20 delegates have registered to present their papers.

Vietnam’s initiative and organization of the forum illustrates its commitment to the ASEM process and its desire to substantiate the ASEM cooperation. Vietnam believes that the ASEM Forum on Energy Security Policy will be a success, introducing specific recommendations to be submitted to the ASEM Energy Ministers Meeting scheduled in late 2008.