G20 Foundation Publications Russia 2013 | Page 10

10 introduction & welcome introduction & welcome Maximising Mexico’s energy potential requires a new era of energy reform Message from the Premier of Queensland Campbell Newman, Premier of Queensland Enrique Peña Nieto, President of Mexico “The focus of this G20 summit on energy security comes at a crucial time. The past several years have seen a significant shift in the global energy paradigm. The rise of China, India, and other rapidly developing nations, has increased the energy demand projected for the next two decades. Meeting this demand will require not only the ongoing stability of current energy supplies, but also exploiting new energy sources. Fortunately, the discovery of new shale gas and oil reserves, as well as the development of alternative energy sources and technologies, offers a promising future for energy security. Consequently, countries need to look within their own borders for real, and practical energy solutions as well as strengthen international cooperation and investment. In Mexico, we are about to embark on a journey that, hopefully, will yield greater energy supplies for both domestic use and export In Mexico, we are about to embark on a journey that, hopefully, will yield greater energy supplies for both domestic use and export. In order to fully tap our energy potential, we need to be open for international technology and financing. Otherwise, our ability to achieve energy security will be undermined. My proposal to reform the energy sector maintains the state’s control of the oil industry and the nation’s hydrocarbon reserves To this end, I am pledged to modernise Mexico’s oil company, Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX), to find new ways to take advantage of the country’s enormous energy potential. While I do not intend to privatise PEMEX, I do believe that a reform is needed to allow private investment - both national and foreign - in this important segment of the Mexican economy. New partnerships in this arena cannot be understated. My proposal to reform the energy sector maintains the state’s control of the oil industry and the nation’s hydrocarbon reserves. Nevertheless, it provides the government oil company the powers and legal authority to engage in strategic public-private alliances. If PEMEX wants to help Mexico achieve energy security and position itself as a growing energy exporter, it requires significant investment in new technologies, which can only be attained through increased private sector partnerships. On top of large deep-water oil reserves and a tremendous potential in renewable energy, Mexico holds one of the largest shale gas reserves in the world. For that reason, new technologies, new partnerships and new investments to help us better exploit these resources, must be welcomed. Indeed, many actors in the private sector have developed a profound know-how in difficult-to-extract energy. Thus, we seek to cultivate close partnerships with such actors, allowing us to achieve our common goals. …we can usher in a new era of energy independence and security… By doubling down on development and international cooperation, we can usher in a new era of energy independence and security for Mexico and for the industrialised world. I hope that this summit will yield productive talks toward this goal.” On behalf of the people and government of Queensland, I extend the warmest welcome to delegates to the 2014 G20 Summit to be held in the State’s capital, Brisbane. We equally welcome the summit of the G20 Finance Ministers, which will be held in the beautiful tropical city of Calms. I am delighted that Queensland has been chosen as the destination for these important summit meetings. The Australian economy is expected to be the best performing major advanced economy in the world in the next two years, the International Monetary Fund predicted in April, 2012. Queensland’s economy is expected to grow by 4% in the current financial year to June 30 2013, and to continue to grow at a rate of 4% for four years thereafter. That would restore Queensland to the position of top economic performer among the Australian states. The Queensland Government will do all in its power to ensure that occurs. The State’s prosperity is based on four pillars - agriculture, resources, tourism and construction. Agricultural and resources exports are major contributors to our economic health and have been for many years. Gross state product exceeds $250 billion in the financial year to June 30 2011, and merchandise exports contributed roughly 20% of that total. Resources exports are the most important by value, accounting for more than half the total. The State is about to benefit from a new industry, an LNG export industry based on abundant reserves of coal seam methane gas. Three LNG projects are under construction at the central Queensland port of Gladstone, involving a total investment of $58.9 billion. First shipments are scheduled for 2014. A fourth project is undergoing approvals processes. The Australian economy is expected to be the best performing major advanced economy in the world in the next two years Boosted by these projects, business investment in the State rose by 56% in the year to March 30 2012. At that time, projects under construction were valued at about $102 billion, while investments worth a further $59 billion were being considered. This great resources industry has spawned an internationally renowned mining services and technology sector whose products and services are to be found in mines and processing plants throughout the world. The Queensland agriculture industry accounts for nearly one-quarter of our exports. Major commodities are beef, su