At ASEM 5 held in Hanoi in October 2004, leaders came to a common recognition of concern over high oil prices that could slow down economic growth, the need to call on oil producers to provide adequate supplies to ensure moderate prices, and the importance of enhancing energy efficiency in consumer nations.

Within the framework of ASEM, it is important to share with Asian countries in particular the experiences of Japan and Europe on issues where international society as a whole should work together to achieve, for example energy efficiency and greater oil data transparency.

The Seminar was jointly organised by the EU (the European Commission) and Japan in Tokyo, inviting the participation of experts from ASEM countries.

Appropriate topics included “Energy Efficiency”, in which ASEM partners are deeply interested and which also contribute to the sharing of relevant experiences in each region among ASEM partners.