Union Minister for Electric Power and Energy U Ko Ko Lwin said Myanmar has abundant energy resources, including natural gas, hydropower, solar energy and other potential energy sources, but further development of these resources requires investment, advanced technology, infrastructure and technical expertise.
He made the remarks while attending a panel discussion at the 30th Energy and Ecology Forum held in Minsk, Belarus, on October 28, together with his delegation and the Myanmar Ambassador to Belarus.
Speaking under the topic “Formula of Energy Independence: Economy, Integration, Development,” the Union Minister said that, from Myanmar’s perspective, energy independence involves producing as much of the country’s required energy as possible domestically, engaging in reliable energy trade with friendly countries, reducing vulnerability to external disruptions that could undermine energy security, and ensuring a reliable, affordable and sustainable energy supply over the long term.
He emphasized that cooperation with ASEAN member states is particularly important for strengthening regional electricity grid interconnections, enhancing the security and reliability of oil and natural gas supplies, and developing renewable energy. He noted that Myanmar has considerable potential in natural gas, hydropower, solar energy and other energy resources, but further development requires investment, advanced technology, infrastructure and technical expertise. He also described Myanmar–Belarus cooperation as a valuable means of supporting energy security. He expressed confidence that there were numerous opportunities for practical cooperation between the two countries in electricity infrastructure, equipment and maintenance, energy efficiency, and capacity-building for technical professionals. He said he hoped to exchange experiences with participating countries, including Belarus, and jointly identify practical cooperation opportunities that would bring mutual benefits.
Energy ministers and deputy ministers from Eastern European, Eurasian and Middle Eastern countries are attending the forum. During the forum, the Union Minister also held separate, cordial and open discussions on cooperation in the electric power and energy sectors with the Energy Minister of Iran, the Deputy Minister of Energy of Iraq, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Tatarstan.
