Sydney: Vietnam possesses the fundamental conditions to become a very strong independent fuel and energy country, but it needs clear long-term targets and stable policy commitments to fully realise this potential, an Australian energy expert has said. Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s correspondent in Sydney amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East that is disrupting global oil and gas supplies, Jarrod Leak, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity (A2EP), noted that Southeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region remain highly exposed to geopolitical risks due to their heavy reliance on fuel imports from the Middle East.

According to Vietnam News Agency, the expert emphasized the importance of Vietnam setting clear long-term objectives and ensuring stable policy commitments to harness its potential for energy self-reliance. The ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have highlighted the vulnerability of regions heavily dependent on external fuel sources, making energy independence a crucial goal for countries like Vietnam.

Leak pointed out that while Vietnam has the natural resources and infrastructure to develop its energy sector, the country must prioritize sustainable and strategic planning. This approach would help mitigate the impacts of global supply disruptions and enhance Vietnam's energy security.

The Australian expert's insights come at a time when energy self-sufficiency is increasingly becoming a priority for many nations, particularly those in the Asia-Pacific region. As Vietnam looks to the future, the development of a robust energy policy framework could position it as a leader in energy independence within the region.