Vietnam Petroleum Association cooperates with Asia Natural Gas and Energy Association

The meeting was attended by Dr Nguyễn Quốc Thập, President of VPA; Dr Phan Ngọc Trung, Head of the Department of Consultancy and Scientific Review; Dr Đinh Văn Sơn, Head of the Department of External Relations; and Mr Nguyễn Sơn Hà, Deputy Secretary-General of VPA.

Representing ANGEA were Ms Laila Nowell, Chief of Staff, and senior advisers of the Association.

Overview of the meeting

Ms Laila Nowell introduced ANGEA’s activities, its cooperation priorities in Viet Nam, and its regional research programmes. Established in 2021 and headquartered in Singapore, ANGEA brings together companies operating across the natural gas value chain, from exploration and production to transportation, infrastructure development and power generation.

Ms Laila Nowell, Chief of Staff, ANGEA

Ms Laila also outlined ANGEA’s efforts to promote regional research and cooperation, with the aim of facilitating international expertise exchange and supporting practical approaches to energy transition that are aligned with the specific conditions of each country.

ANGEA also introduced its Energy Security Best Practices Report, which synthesises expertise, experience and international practices, while providing updates on energy policy trends and implementation across countries in the region.

During the discussion, the two sides exchanged views on Viet Nam’s development and energy transition, including LNG and LNG projects, as well as emerging energy areas such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) and offshore wind.

Dr Nguyễn Quốc Thập, President of VPA, said that stronger connections could provide Vietnamese authorities with additional information, experience and international perspectives in the process of refining policies.

Dr Nguyễn Quốc Thập noted that VPA has proactively provided consultancy and scientific review on energy policies and related issues. Government agencies have taken VPA’s recommendations into account in policy-making and have incorporated and adjusted policies accordingly.

Nevertheless, according to Dr Nguyễn Quốc Thập, a number of major issues still require greater attention, particularly the continued improvement of the institutional and policy framework for the energy sector and the removal of barriers to offshore wind development. Energy policies should continue to be refined in line with international standards and practices to create an enabling environment for both domestic and foreign investment.

With regard to offshore wind, Viet Nam has significant potential, but the key challenge is translating this potential into concrete projects. Dr Nguyễn Quốc Thập emphasised that, “This requires a clear and stable policy framework, as well as consensus and cooperation among state authorities, businesses and the people.”

According to the VPA President, in the long term, Viet Nam should move towards a competitive energy market operating according to market principles, following an appropriate roadmap.

Mr Nguyễn Sơn Hà, Deputy Secretary-General of VPA, introduced on VPA’s activities

ANGEA spoke highly of the role of the VPA in energy research, consultancy and policy review, while expressing interest in proposals to promote the LNG market, improve the policy framework and address obstacles facing LNG-to-power projects in Viet Nam.

Welcoming the participation of associations and international organisations in discussions with Viet Nam, Dr Nguyễn Quốc Thập said that stronger connections could provide Vietnamese authorities with additional information, experience and international perspectives in the process of refining policies.

The two sides also agreed on the need to further expand professional cooperation, including research, policy dialogue and the sharing of international experience on energy security and energy transition.

VPA Delegation working with ANGEA

From the perspective of bilateral cooperation, the President of VPA proposed exploring a cooperation agreement in the coming period to strengthen information sharing, exchange views and coordinate on matters of mutual interest.

According to Dr Nguyễn Quốc Thập, such cooperation could also serve as a channel connecting Viet Nam with ANGEA’s international and regional networks, helping Viet Nam gain greater access to global energy trends, experience and initiatives.

VPA and ANGEA

Stronger engagement between VPA and ANGEA is expected to broaden channels for consultation, facilitate access to international experience, and support the research and development of energy policies suited to Viet Nam’s practical conditions.