Canadian Membership of the Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate

I welcome Canada’s participation in the forthcoming Ministerial meeting of the Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate, to be hosted by India on 15 October in New Delhi.

Australia strongly supported Canada’s bid to join the Partnership. Canada is a major energy producer and accounts for approximately two per cent of global greenhouse gases. Canada will bring to the Partnership significant expertise, technological know-how and resources.

Australia hosted the Partnership’s inaugural Ministerial meeting in Sydney in January 2006. the founding Partners are the United States, China, India, Japan, SouthKorea and Australia. The Partnership brings together key developing and developed countries to focus on developing practical solutions to address the challenges of climate change and energy security in ways that are consistent with economic growth and the reduction of poverty.

Since the Partnership was founded the Australian Government’s initial outlay for the Partnership of $100 million over five years was allocated to support 63projects with partner countries. All of the partners are providing active support for the work of the Partnership with 109 projects approved to date. Ministers are expected to announce further projects when they meet on 15 October.

The Government has recently announced a further $50 million for the Partnership, bringing the total to $150 million. I look forward to joining the discussions in New Delhi on how to further build on the success of the Partnership.

Media Inquiries: Mr Downer's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555