Union Minister for Energy attends SCO Energy Forum in Kazakhstan

Union Minister for Energy U Ko Ko Lwin led a delegation to the First Energy Forum of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana, Kazakhstan, from 3 to 6 October.

On 3 October, they participated in preliminary discussions of the SCO Energy Forum, followed by their involvement in the Kazakhstan Energy Week 2023 KazEnergy Eurasian Forum and the First Energy Forum of the SCO on 4 October, where energy ministers from SCO member nations were present.

During his forum speech, Union Minister U Ko Ko Lwin highlighted Myanmar’s abundant energy resources but pointed out production limitations. He expressed a desire to collaborate with the SCO, emphasizing Myanmar’s hydropower potential due to its abundant water resources. While acknowledging the limited availability of natural gas for electricity generation, he expressed interest in cooperation opportunities, particularly in technology and investment.

Myanmar’s energy policy focuses on ensuring energy security for sustainable economic development and includes projects such as natural gas power plants, coal and hydropower projects, geothermal projects, and solar initiatives. The Union Minister also stressed the need for investments from partner countries to meet Myanmar’s energy requirements.

Union Minister U Ko Ko Lwin expressed optimism that the SCO, with its collective strength, would overcome the challenges of the energy sector, geopolitical pressures, and environmental concerns. He encouraged balanced energy transitions based on diversity and individual conditions, emphasizing Myanmar’s commitment to establishing friendly relations with SCO members.

During the visit, the delegation met officials from Karaganda, a coal-producing region of Kazakhstan, and representatives from KazPhosphate and KazMunayGas for discussions on energy-related matters.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, founded in 2001 by China and Russia, is a significant political, economic, and international security organization encompassing the Eurasian region. Myanmar became a dialogue partner of the SCO in 2023, further expanding its international engagements.