The ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) in July 1996 in Kuala Lumpur had decided that AEEMTRC be transformed into ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) in 1999. As a "new" ASEAN centre, ASEAN will maintain cooperation with the European Union while opening its door wider for other ASEAN dialogue partners to participate in joint programmes. The Centre will also invite the private sector to participate in joint programmes and co-finance in strategic studies.