VIENTIANE, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Laos' Ministry of Energy and Mines, with technical assistance from the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), plans to formulate a white paper on policy involving cross-cutting issues to address the complexities of energy security in Laos and the implications for ASEAN countries.

Representatives from the government, businesses, and the energy and mines sector in Laos, together with delegations from ASEAN countries, met in Lao capital Vientiane from Thursday to Friday, to discuss the content of the white paper, which will set the direction of energy security policy to achieve inclusive and sustainable development in Laos and address the implications for ASEAN, Lao national TV reported on Friday.

During the meeting, specialists from Laos and other ASEAN countries discussed various topics related to the energy landscape in Laos and ASEAN, as well as energy supply security for Laos and the implications for ASEAN.

They also discussed energy efficiency in end-use sectors, energy management systems, minimum energy performance standards, alternative energy potential to enable Laos to meet its net-zero target, sustainable hydropower development in Laos and the Lower Mekong River Basin, the carbon market mechanism in ASEAN and the implications for Laos, and regional and international cooperation for advancing innovative technology transfer for Laos and ASEAN.

Although Laos exports electricity to neighboring countries, the country is highly dependent on imports, especially gasoline and diesel for transportation, and commercial and residential consumption, Lao Minister of Energy and Mines Phoxay Sayasone said at the meeting.

The increase in the import dependency of finished fuel products in Laos means the country's energy supply security is vulnerable, so effective emergency responses and preparedness at the national level should be in place, he added. Enditem

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