About 250 senior delegates from APEC’s 21-member countries will join with government and industry representatives to discuss and design outcomes that will allow unfettered trade in gas to contribute to economic growth through long-term, stable supply of energy.
Federal Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources Ian McFarlane will open the forum.
Also on the agenda will be discussions on international and national oil company competition and the associated impact on trade; emerging markets and the challenges of supply; and the global skills shortage.
Forum chairman Angus Walker said APGAS was being staged in response to a call from APEC energy ministers to support the creation of a competitive and transparent marketplace for gas trade.
“This forum will be the vehicle for building energy security by working towards best practice in gas markets throughout the region,” he said.
“It will aim to achieve a common understanding among member countries on the actions necessary to ensure free and unhindered trade in gas and LNG.
“Our key goal is to enhance energy security by encouraging investment in gas and commercially sustainable cross-border gas trade.”
Walker said it will build on APEC’s longstanding Natural Gas Initiative promoting the acceleration of investment in natural gas supplies, infrastructure and trading networks, and its Energy Security Initiative comprising a host of measures to respond to energy supply disruptions as a result of terrorism, natural events or market factors.
“APGAS is not a conference and therefore it is not a platform for technical or project-specific presentations,” he said.
“Rather, it is a great opportunity for policymakers and regulators to meet with business people to discuss issues affecting the industry today and potentially input and influence upon public policy.
“It will be a major catalyst for change.”
APEC’s member countries account for more than a third of the world’s population, around 60% or $US19.2 billion ($A25.5 billion) of the world’s gross domestic product, and around 47% of world trade.
APEC represents what is considered to be the most economically dynamic region in the world, generating nearly 70% of global economic growth in its first 10 years.
The APGAS forum will be held from August 30 to September 1.
