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Released: 23 July, 2002
Dhaliwal Discusses Regional Issues At Apec Energy Ministers' Meeting
MEXICO CITY — Energy Ministers or their representatives
from 21 member economies meeting in Mexico City today released a joint statement
entitled Fostering Regional Energy Cooperation: Setting a Long-Term Vision
and Implementing Short-Term Actions. Sustainable development, fair market
access for energy companies and the deployment of cleaner, more efficient energy
technologies are key areas for cooperation for the member economies of the Asia-Pacific
Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.
This was the fifth time that the Ministers have met, and they discussed the
essential contribution energy makes to the Asia-Pacific region’s economic
growth and social development.
“Canada is committed to cooperating with our fellow APEC members to
promote sustainable development as our economies and our energy needs continue
to grow,” said Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Natural Resources Canada. “We
must attract investment in regional energy infrastructure, particularly in the
developing economies of APEC, to support economic growth and improved quality
of life, while at the same time being environmentally responsible.”
In their statement, Ministers agreed that the APEC Energy Working Group should
continue its extensive work program. They highlighted the importance of diversifying
energy sources, deploying new energy technologies, sharing information on how
to deal with energy supply disruptions in emergency situations and increasing
energy efficiency.
During the meeting, Minister Dhaliwal also held bilateral discussions with
representatives of Australia, China and Mexico.
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC), based in Singapore, was
established in 1989 in response to the growing interdependence among Asia-Pacific
economies. Originally an informal dialogue group, APEC has since become the
primary regional vehicle for promoting open trade and practical economic cooperation.
Its goal is to advance Asia-Pacific economic dynamism and sense of community.
The APEC Ministers’ statement is available at http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/media/newsreleases2002_e.htm.
For more information, media may contact:
Heather Bala
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
(613) 996-7252
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