On October 8, JICA signed a joint statement with the Department of Energy (DOE) of the Republic of the Philippines to advance cooperation in the field of oil security. The signing took place on the occasion of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Ministerial Meeting.
As the importance of stable oil supply grows across ASEAN countries, the two sides will cooperate under the Partnership for Optimizing Wide-ranging Energy and Resource Resilience in Asia (POWERR Asia).
Specifically, they plan to collect and analyze data on oil supply and demand and stockpiling systems, make policy recommendations on suitable legal systems and implementation structures, and work on human resource development, while sharing Japan's experience with oil stockpiling through expert dispatch, local seminars and invitations to Japan.
In addition, at the opening ceremony of the ASEAN Energy Business Forum, the DOE Secretary presented JICA with a letter of appreciation for its cooperation to date.
Key points
- Sharing know-how on oil stockpiling and institution building with the Philippines
- Human resource development through expert dispatch, local seminars and invitations to Japan
- Contributing to energy security in the Philippines and the ASEAN region
Why this news is worth noting
A stable energy supply underpins daily life, industry and health care alike. It also connects to the SDG on affordable and clean energy.
Adapting institutions and experience that Japan has built up over many years to a partner country's circumstances offers a useful picture of how international cooperation can work.
Editor's comment
"Oil security" may be an unfamiliar field, but it is important cooperation that supports people's lives.
We hope you'll take a look at the link between energy and international cooperation. For details, please see JICA's announcement.