Improving Regional Cooperation in Energy Today

Abstract

Regional cooperation in energy offers opportunities for efficient utilization of resources, especially for countries with different endowments in natural resources and distinct industrial bases. It can meet demand for energy, generate development finance, help rationalize investment portfolios, and minimize harmful emissions. Regional cooperation in energy cuts across three core operations areas of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) — infrastructure, regional cooperation and integration, and environment. The Regional and Sustainable Development Department (RSDD) and the Energy Community of Practice organized a Regional Energy Cooperation Seminar on 4—5 February 2009. Participants assessed the progress of regional energy cooperation and proposed ways to further intensify ADB’s work to promote sustainable infrastructure across subregions.