Reuters-ASEAN energy ministers to m

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Subject: Reuters-ASEAN energy ministers to meet on regional pipeline 

ASEAN energy ministers to meet on regional pipeline
01:27 a.m. Jul 02, 1999 Eastern
BANGKOK, July 2 (Reuters) - Energy ministers of the Association of South
East Asian Nations (ASEAN) will meet in Thailand on Saturday to map out
strategies for a regional natural gas pipeline and power network.

Veerapol Jirapraditakul, head of the Thai National Energy Policy Office's
policy and planning division, told Reuters ASEAN had set a target date of
2020 for completion of a pan-regional pipeline and power grid.

The purpose of the Bangkok meeting would be to map out a medium-term
implementation plan covering the 1999-2004 period, he said.

``ASEAN countries have agreed that the projects will benefit member
countries and ensure energy security in the region,'' Veerapol said.

``On the power grid project, those who have surpluses will be able to sell
to countries who need power. Building new power plants these days could be
costly and there are a lot of environmental issues that need to be taken
into account,'' he said.

Veerapol said the ministers would also exchange views on the regional energy
situation and policy.

ASEAN groups Thailand with Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia,
Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines.