Japan, Thailand launch new energy initiative to promote decarbonisation
Japan and Thailand on January 13 agreed to launch a new energy policy dialogue and implement joint projects to promote decarbonisation, as the two countries aim for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Panels in a solar farm (Illustrative photo - Source: VNA)
Tokyo (VNA) - Japan and Thailand on January 13 agreed to launch a newenergy policy dialogue and implement joint projects to promote decarbonisation,as the two countries aim for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
According to the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade andIndustry, its Minister Koichi Hagiuda and his Thai counterpart SupattanapongPunmeechaow signed a memorandum for the new initiatives during their talks in Bangkok, the last stop during the Japanese minister's trip to Southeast Asia after Indonesia and Singapore.
Under the dialogue framework, a comprehensive long-termprogramme will be launched along with joint projects to be carried out throughcooperation in green technology and human resources to help promote investmentin the energy sector.
Earlier this year , Japan outlined its "Asia Energy Transition Initiative," under which itpromised to give 10 billion USD in financial support to Thailand and othermember states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for renewableenergy, energy efficiency, LNG and other projects that are expected to createnew jobs and investment.
The Japanese government said its energy dialogue with Thailand underscoresthe importance of global energy transition, while aiming to provideopportunities for energy trade and investment in the two countries./.
Thailand became the top importer of Japanese steel products for the first time in 2018, as major Japanese automobile, home appliance and machinery makers have moved into Southeast Asia's biggest production hub.
The smart city initiative in the framework of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) is likely to be the second development project in Thailand with the participation of China and Japan, following a high-speed rail network project.
Japan pledged to increase support for Thailand in promoting carbon neutrality to help the Southeast Asian country rebuild its economy which is being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on August 11.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
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The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
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Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
VAMAF President Datuk Shaharuddin Omar shared the plan at the association’s 103rd anniversary ceremony, noting support from the Vietnam Veterans Association. The initiative is expected to open new markets for Malaysian Halal products and improve livelihoods for its members.
Panels in a solar farm (Illustrative photo - Source: VNA) 
