ST. PETERSBURG, June 24 (Xinhua) — The 10th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) Energy Ministerial Meeting opened here Sunday to discuss energy security and efficiency, and the development of clean and renewable energy.

The meeting, entitled “Energy Security: New Challenges and Possible Strategic Solutions,” would also discuss how to develop nuclear and gas industries, improve supply chains, foster innovation and better manage scarce resources.

“The APEC region is the primary catalyst and beneficiary of the trade in energy and mining, industries that are helping to deliver the resources and jobs needed to fuel member economies’ growth and development,” said Muhamad Noor, APEC secretariat executive director.

Energy ministers of the APEC economies, and representatives of the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council, the Pacific Islands Forum, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations attended the two-day meeting.

At the end of the meeting, the energy ministers are expected to issue a joint declaration, which would propose to increase the use of natural gas, improve energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and improve nuclear safety in the region.

Russia has taken over the rotating chair of APEC in 2012 and will host this year’s leaders’ meeting in the Far Eastern city of Vladivostok in early September.

Editor:Sun Luying |Source: Xinhua