EWC and Leading Korean Energy Institute Team Up

HONOLULU (July 31) – The East-West Center (EWC) and the Korea Energy Economics Institute (KEEI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding Tuesday (July 31) for cooperation in energy policy and planning research. The three-year agreement establishes a framework for exchange of research and joint projects.

Ki-Yual Bang, CEO and President of the KEEI, said the new agreement will “play a significant role in promoting energy cooperation through joint studies, information exchanges, and the exchange of research personnel between Honolulu and Seoul.” He added “by working jointly the EWC and KEEI can develop much needed energy policy options.”

“We each bring different strengths to the table,” EWC President Charles E. Morrison pointed out. “The KEEI is a strong partner in the energy sector in Korea, and the EWC offers a broad network of research and political contacts throughout the Asia Pacific region, in addition to our own expertise in energy and environmental policy.”

The MOU was officially signed during the opening session of the 2007 Interactive Executive Workshop on Energy Security in the North Pacific held at the EWC’s Imin International Conference Center.

A group of leading U.S. and Korean energy experts met at the two-day workshop for small working group discussions on a variety of energy issues, including oil and gas, biogas, and environmentally friendly technologies. The aim was to provide an insightful, thought-provoking vision of the strategic issues affecting the energy business.

One participant noted the importance of the conference. “Most energy conferences deal only with oil and gas or alternative energy, not both as we are doing here. It’s important to see the compromises, the give-and-take, which will be needed to find answers to difficult energy questions.”

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For more information, contact:
John Lewis
Media Relations Specialist
Phone: (808) 944-7204
Email: lewisj@EastWestCenter.org




The EAST-WEST CENTER is an education and research organization established by the U.S. Congress in 1960 to strengthen relations and understanding among the peoples and nations of Asia, the Pacific, and the United States.  The Center contributes to a peaceful, prosperous and just Asia Pacific community by serving as a vigorous hub for cooperative research, education and dialogue on critical issues of common concern to the Asia Pacific region and the United States.  Funding for the Center comes from the U.S. government, with additional support provided by private agencies, individuals, foundations,corporations, and the governments of the region.