The ASEAN Energy Business Forum opened in Vietnam's central highlands of Lam Dong province on Tuesday, focusing on measures to expand green energy research and development, the Vietnam News Agency reported.

The forum drew participation of more than 60 representatives of ten member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), France and Sri Lanka.

The participants at the forum expressed their worry about rapid depletion of fossil energy resources including oil and coal as well as impacts of climate change, and difficulties in exploiting and using energy.

They also stressed the importance of experiences sharing and cooperation in developing green and sustainable energy.

Delegates at the forum said apart from traditional energy sources such as oil and coal, countries and companies need to pay more attention to using renewable energy sources including solar energy and bioenergy.

According to Cao Quoc Hung, Director of International Cooperation Department under Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade, climate change and energy have shot to the top of the world agenda.

The forum provides an opportunity for ASEAN and its partners to introduce their initiatives and further intensify cooperation for a stable and sustainable future, said Hung.