The 15th Regional Congress on Geology, Mineral and Energy Resources of Southeast Asia (GEOSEA XV) opened in Hanoi on October 16 with the participation of more than 500 delegates from ASEAN members and countries with developed geology such as the US, the UK, Germany, Russia, Japan, Denmark and Canada. 

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha addresses the 15th Regional Congress on Geology, Mineral and Energy Resources of Southeast Asia in Hanoi on October 16 (Photo: dangcongsan.vn)

At the opening ceremony, Vietnam’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha said Vietnam is honoured to host the 15th GEOSEA, which is the leading event of the geology sector in the region, where latest achievements and experience in the field are shared. 

Chairman of the Geological Society of the Philippines Ciceron Angeles said this event saw the presence of delegates from all 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It created an opportunities for geologists from ASEAN and neighbouring countries such as Japan, China and the Republic of Korea to exchange experience and broaden cooperation. 

Prof. R.M Reddy from India’s Kakatigu University said Vietnam, with its geological diversity and rich mineral resources and renewable energy, is always a top choice for international research projects in the fields of geology, natural resources and energy. 

He added that Vietnam and India are expanding international cooperation in scientific research on the earth, minerals and new sources of energy. 

The two countries will conduct more joint activities in mining, especially in oil and gas and coal exploration, he said.  

Besides professional work, the 15th SEAGEO also aims to boost cooperation within the ASEAN in the field of mineral under the ASEAN Minerals Cooperation Action Plan for 2016-2025. 

More than 300 scientific papers have been submitted to the event, which will take place on October 16 and 17.  

Before and after the congress, participants can join field trips to areas with typical geology and geological resources, including the Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba archipelago and the Dong Van global geological park.

The GEOSEA was first established and launched in Malaysia in 1972 with four founding members, namely the Geological Society of Malaysia, the Indonesian Geology Association, the Geological Society of the Philippines, and the Geological Society of Thailand. Vietnam first attended the GEOSEA in 1978.-VNA