MACAO, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) -- The 17th Conference of the Electric Power Supply Industry (CEPSI) was inaugurated here on Monday, with the participation of delegates from 19 countries and regions.

    Themed "Power Sector in a Fast Climate Changing World", the conference was co-organized by the Association of the Electricity Supply Industry of East Asia and the Western Pacific (AESIEAP) and CEM, Macao's major power supplier.

    "The AESIEAP has been playing an active and important role in promoting cooperation among regional power companies and related organizations," said Lau Si Io, Secretary of Transport and Public Works of the Special Administration Region (SAR), when delivering his opening address at the conference.

    The CEPSI conference is also one of the leading forums where experts and specialists meet and discuss the various opportunities and challenges the industry is facing, he said.

    "Electricity is essential in sustaining economic activities and improving quality of life. But in a fast changing environment, due consideration must be taken not to hinder the nature's vitality when pursuing these social and economic objectives," said Lau.

    The AESIEAP is a regional non-governmental organization founded in 1975, whose main objectives include facilitating exchange of expertise between electric power companies of various countries and territories in the region, promoting co-operation among member organizations, etc.

    Taking into consideration the sustainable development of the region, "our policy, therefore, is to guarantee that electricity supply is not only secure and reliable, but also economically efficient and environmental friendly," said Lau, adding that the SAR government will also be actively responding to international appeal on fighting global warming.

    In January this year, the "Kyoto Protocol" was adopted in Macao, following which supporting policies are being implemented by the SAR government to meet its targets.

    Lau said, "We will employ cleaner fuels as well as actively explore the use of alternative fuels and renewables in Macao. We are also keen to promote energy efficiency by enforcing demand-side management through public campaigns, enhanced price signals, energy management, new technologies, and others."

    The last edition of the biannual conference was held in Mumbai of India in 2006.