Algiers, 1 March 2024: ERIA and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) strengthened their cooperation by renewing their memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the 7th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum in Algiers, 1 March 2024. The MoU signatories were Eng. Mohamed Hamel, Secretary General of the GECF; and Professor Tetsuya Watanabe, President of ERIA.

After the initial MoU signed in November 2017, ERIA and GECF have collaborated on topics of shared interest, particularly in the realm of natural gas. Both parties decided to extend their agreement for another three years and broaden the scope of collaboration to enhance their collective research capabilities and further strengthen their partnership.

Acknowledging the crucial role of natural gas in the energy transition, this MoU represents the commitment of both parties to enhance cooperation and collaboration, with a shared objective of promoting sustainable, secure, equitable and environmentally responsible development in the energy sector. This partnership will be characterised by the exchange of information and data, sharing of knowledge and best practices, as well as joint workshops and development of collaborative studies.

Professor Jun Arima, ERIA Senior Policy Fellow for Energy and Environment, who attended the MoU signing ceremony on behalf of President Watanabe, emphasized ERIA’s key insights on energy transition toward decarbonisation in ASEAN, which include the significant of diverse decarbonisation pathways and technology combinations, and the role played by fuel switching from coal-fired power plants to efficient gas fired plants. Eng. Hamel also highlighted that GECF recognises the pivotal role of natural gas in achieving the UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

The MoU signing marks a notable achievement in the collaboration between ERIA and GECF to improve the natural gas landscape in East Asia, ASEAN, and beyond. ERIA also aims to contribute to natural gas development toward a sustainable, just, and inclusive energy transition in the Asian region.

Related link: GECF signs two MoUs to enhance energy cooperation in Africa and Asia, on the sidelines of the 7th GECF Summit

https://www.gecf.org/events/gecf-signs-two-mous-to-enhance-energy-cooperation-in-africa-and-asia-on-the-sidelines-of-the-7th-gecf-summit