Press Release

The China Energy Fund Committee (CEFC) concluded its seventh Sino-US Colloquium on Jan.24, bringing to a successful close, presentations, dialogue, and exchange of views. Held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, the colloquium discussed topics about oil price and its geopolitical impacts, new outlooks for asian energy security and multilateral cooperation under the new energy landscape. The Colloquium also explored the possibility of setting up an “Energy Development Fund”. Dr. Patrick Ho, Deputy Chairman and Secretary General of the CEFC, said, the idea of setting up an “Energy Development Fund” carries forward the spirit of mutual trust, equality and mutual benefit, inclusiveness and mutual learning, and a win-win cooperation, which is more important, It will enhance the discursive power of Asian countries in global energy governance.

Leaders and representatives from top organizations were in attendance to discuss the challenges and opportunities of Asian energy security cooperation between China and the United States. Experts were aligned in the orientation to embark on a geo-economic approach to regional energy cooperation, in the very spirit of “One Belt and One Road”. Among the attendees were Dr. HO C.P. Patrick, Deputy Chairman and Secretary General of China Energy Fund Committee; Robert C. McFarlane, Former US National Security Advisor and Co-Founder of the United States Energy Security Council; Gal Luft, Co-Director of the Institute for the Analysis of Global Security (IAGS) and Senior Adviser to the United States Energy Security Council; Anne Korin , Co-Director of the Institute for the Analysis of Global Security (IAGS) and Senior Adviser to the United States Energy Security Council; Sudirman Said, Minister of Energy & Mineral Resources, Republic of Indonesia; Ken Koyama,
Managing Director and Chief Economist, Strategy Research Unit, IEEJ; Sun Xiansheng (孙贤胜) , President of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) Economics and Technology Research Institute; Shi Ze (石泽), Director, Center for International Energy Strategic Studies , China Institute of International Studies (CIIS); Xu Xiaojie (徐小杰), Director of World Energy, Institute of World Economics & International Politics, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; Zeng Xingqiu (曾兴球), Former Chief Geologist of China Sinochem Group, Former General Manager of International Petroleum Exploration and Development Company; Adi Karev, Global Head Oil & Gas - Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, National Head O&G/Shipping & Ports China; and Hooman Peimani, Research Fellow of the Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre, APEC.

Dr. Patrick Ho expressed that developments and new initiatives on regional cooperation also drew wide public attention. Many leaders within the Asia-Pacific community have recognized the risk of these challenges and have called for much-needed actions. China, being the world’s largest energy consumer, has taken bold steps to lift regional cooperation to a new level. Following President Xi’s strategic conception on the "One Belt and One Road" initiative (“The Silk Road Economic Belt" and "21st Century Maritime Silk Road"), China has committed to contribute 40 billion US dollars to set up a Silk Road Fund to boost connectivity across Asia; In November 2014, China’s State Council unveiled its Energy Development Strategy Action Plan (2014-2020), promising more efficient, self-sufficient, green and innovative energy production and consumption in the future. This has been regarded as an important document which links together the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015) and the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020), and will no doubt create huge opportunities for the energy industry and provide the necessary incentives for further regional cooperation.

With the above events in mind, there is a clear opportunity to participate and benefit from the Asian countries’ strong demand for energy infrastructure development. “It is time for the international private sector to work with the governments concerned, in particular, China.” Dr. Ho said.

As to the proposed "Energy Development Fund", Dr. Ho explained that it will effectively strengthen energy cooperation among exporters, consumers and transit countries in the Asia-Pacific region. “It will play a significant role in formulating a unique Asian market, help correct the situation of imbalance in the international energy landscape, and enhance the role and status of Asian countries in global energy governance. More important, It will enhance the discursive power of Asian countries in global energy governance.” Said by Dr. Ho.

Since 2010, CEFC has organized several Sino-US Colloquiums which have brought together senior officials, academics, and business elites from China and the United States to conduct in-depth discussions. The topics have covered a range of issues and interests common to both countries, such as energy, politics, security and culture. “As an NGO with Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC), CEFC will continue to work for the peaceful development of China and the World by promoting international cooperation and mutual respect through public diplomacy,” said Dr. Ho.


About CEFC:

China Energy Fund Committee (CEFC) is a non-governmental, non-profit civil society organization. It also serves as a high-end strategic think tank engaged in energy strategy research, energy and public diplomacy, as well as global energy cooperation and cultural exchanges.

CEFC is dedicated to fostering international dialogue and understanding of cultural values, regional cooperation, energy security, and issues relating to China’s emerging place in the world. We aim to promote international cooperation and mutual respect through public diplomacy. We believe an enhanced understanding of one another’s historic legacy and cultural values would lead to a more accurate interpretation of our respective actions.

The Committee is supported by a special private grant fully sponsored by China Energy Fund Co., Ltd. The Committee is an NGO with Special Consultative Status, the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC). Registered in Hong Kong, the Committee obtains tax exemption under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance as a charitable organization. Also registered in Virginia, the United States, the Committee obtains tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code as a public charity.

Communication Department
China Energy Fund Committee

Media Enquiries:
Ms. Karen Li
Tel: (852) 2655 1603
Email: nli@chinaenergyfund.org