Australia commits funding for IEA China Centre

Today, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, and the Minister for Resources, Energy and Northern Australia, the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP, announced funding for the establishment of the International Energy Agency (IEA) China Centre.

The commitment comes as the Executive Director of the IEA, Dr Fatih Birol, visits Canberra today.
Minister Bishop said funding of $260,000 would help create closer ties between China and the IEA.

"Effective global energy governance requires closer engagement between the IEA and economies in our region" Minister Bishop said.

"Today's announcement will support China's engagement and participation in IEA activities."
Minister Frydenberg also praised the funding and establishment of the IEA China Centre.

"The IEA China Centre will strengthen the relationship between China, the world's largest energy user, and the IEA on energy markets, research and technology development."

"Australia's funding represents an important investment and show of faith of the greater role that our region will have in global energy markets and the requirement for closer engagement with the IEA," Minister Frydenberg said.

The IEA is a world leading energy policy authority with 29 member countries. Australia has been a member of the IEA since 1979.

"Member country contributions such as Australia's are voluntary and therefore crucial in the Centre's establishment and operation," Minister Frydenberg said.

China has an extensive network of high-quality energy research institutes, associated with a variety of ministries, businesses and universities, and today's announcement will provide access to substantive analysis on Chinese energy issues.