MAKATI CITY – The Department of Energy (DOE), in partnership with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan, and the Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc., hosted the inaugural Government-Private Forum on Cleaner Energy Future Initiative for ASEAN (CEFIA) yesterday (27 November) at the Makati Diamond Residences. 

The CEFIA seeks to facilitate closer collaboration between the public and private sectors to help accelerate the development and utilization of cleaner energy and low carbon technologies within the ASEAN region.

“Today's event is significant for us in the ASEAN, as it has brought governments and the private sector together in one setting, providing a venue for multi-sectoral discussions on investment opportunities; industry innovations; and energy project financing. Governments cannot stand alone in sustaining a fully vibrant energy sector that is able to actively contribute to a country's robust economic growth. Bilateral and multilateral dialogues are needed,” Secretary Cusi emphasized in his keynote address.

The Energy Chief also took the opportunity to highlight the strides made by the Philippines as it works toward building a sustainable energy future, including the country’s efforts in support of the implementation of the ASEAN Plan of Action on Energy Cooperation. 

A total of 200 delegates from the ASEAN+3 member countries, national government agencies, local government units, private industry stakeholders, financial institutions, and the academe participated in the first CEFIA Forum. 

In addition, a bilateral meeting between the Energy Secretary and Parliamentary Vice-Minister Shuji Miyamoto of METI likewise took place at the sidelines of the CEFIA. Discussions revolved around recent energy sector developments in both countries, and ways to help move private sector initiatives forward. Also present were key officials from the DOE and METI. 

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