16 East Asian leaders open talks today; closer energy cooperation seen

[Robbien]

CEBU – Leaders of 16 East Asian countries are expected to forge closer energy cooperation in the face of rising world crude prices when they open formal talks today. The 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and their counterparts from Japan, China, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand are set to sign today the Cebu Declaration on East Asian Energy Security.


. . .

The energy security agreement also encourages countries to explore possible modes of fuel stockpiling through regional arrangements, and urges oil-rich nations to channel petroleum profits toward equity investments and low-interest loan facilities for other developing countries.

. . .

They agreed to enhance ASEAN energy cooperation, especially for key ASEAN infrastructure projects, including the ASEAN power grid and Trans-ASEAN gas pipeline. "Our ultimate aim is to create an open energy market," Mrs. Arroyo said.

. . .

Meanwhile, China and Southeast Asian countries yesterday agreed to bring down trade barriers in the lucrative services sector, taking a step closer towards becoming the world’s largest free trade zone. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and ASEAN leaders signed the much-awaited economic cooperation agreement at the second day of the group’s annual summit here.



read on. Much much more happening in the region . . .
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN2007011584669.html

[mbperrin]

1. Dang! Isn't cooperation the same as communism???

Can't be having that! Just do as your B* overlords demand!

[cal04]

2. Asian nations pledge to promote biofuels

East Asian leaders meeting in the Philippines have signed an agreement which aims to address the region's energy concerns, including greenhouse gas emissions.

At the conclusion of the East Asia Summit, the 16 regional leaders, including Prime Minister John Howard, have agreed to work together to look at reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels.

They have agreed that more money should be put into research and development of other fuel types.

They have put a heavy emphasis on biofuels in this agreement, but nuclear power could also be an option.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200701/s1827310.htm

of course Howard included his nuclear power option
John Howard is now very firmly committed to a nuclear future for this nation.