Natural Resources Canada
97/55
August 27, 1997

APEC MINISTERS COMMIT TO THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ENERGY INDUSTRY IN ASIA PACIFIC

EDMONTON, Alberta— Energy Ministers of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum today concluded a successful two-day session on energy-related issues currently affecting the Asia Pacific region and released a joint declaration, reporting on their discussions and decisions.

"We have made substantive progress toward our objective of creating open, efficient and sustainable energy markets that support environmentally sound economic growth and social development in the Asia Pacific region," said Ralph Goodale, Minister of Natural Resources Canada. "This meeting has strengthened the spirit of partnership that is the cornerstone of the APEC forum."

"From a Canadian perspective, there are tremendous opportunities for energy firms in the Asia Pacific region. Through joint ventures, direct investment, technology transfers and other means, we can help developing APEC economies achieve their social, economic and environmental goals while creating jobs and prosperity in Canada as well."

Energy Ministers from the 18 member economies agreed that developing energy resources in an environmentally and socially responsible manner is integral to the sustainable growth of the Asia Pacific region.

The session, held in Edmonton, Alberta, on August 26-27, 1997, was the second time APEC Energy Ministers met to discuss regional cooperation in the field of energy. The overall theme of the session was "Energy: Infrastructure for Sustainable Development".

At the first meeting last year in Sydney, Australia, Ministers discussed their common goals and challenges, and adopted 14 non-binding energy policy principles. During the meeting in Edmonton, Ministers verified that significant progress had been made in implementing those principles, which will allow the further development of open, efficient energy markets.

The Ministers also endorsed two sets of non-binding principles which will help to encourage foreign business investment in the region's power infrastructure, as well as to ensure that the needed infrastructure expansion occurs in an environmentally sensitive way. In addition, they committed to promote a framework for the mutual recognition of accredited energy-efficiency testing facilities, which will help facilitate trade in energy efficient goods and equipment.

Ministers considered a number of proposals for expanding the work program of APEC's Energy Working Group, especially in the areas of energy efficiency and natural gas, both of which have the potential to contribute to the rapidly growing energy needs of the region. They agreed to meet again to discuss these and other issues next year in Japan.

"We are pleased with the progress we have made in addressing the energy-related issues of common concern to the Asia Pacific region," said Minister Goodale. "In this, Canada's Year of Asia-Pacific, our Leaders will be meeting in Vancouver in November to discuss broad issues of regional interest. Energy is a very significant factor in our future growth and development, and the results of our discussions here in Edmonton will be a very significant input to our Leaders deliberations. As we look toward Okinawa, when we Energy Ministers will meet again, I anticipate another year of continued cooperation, progress and friendship with our Asia Pacific partners."

For further information, please contact:
Sunni Locatelli
A/Press Secretary
Minister's Office
Natural Resources Canada
Phone: (613) 992-4447

Declaration