The fifth Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable, convening 13 energy ministers from countries supplying and demanding oil or gas, will open in Seoul on Thursday for a three-day run, officials said Tuesday.

“We expect that the international event will offer Korea an opportunity to exert global leadership in the energy sector,” the Energy Ministry said in a press release.

The participants also included ministers from Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait.

Leaders of energy-related international organizations such as the International Energy Agency, International Energy Forum and Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries will speak at the forum.

One of the highlight sessions Thursday will be on “economic growth and energy demand outlooks in Asia,’’ moderated by Korea’s Energy Minister Yoon Sang-jick.

Asia is emerging as a new powerhouse in global energy, owing to continued explosive energy demand in line with economic growth. According to data compiled by the Asian Development Bank, the Asia-Pacific region currently represents approximately 40 percent of global energy consumption, up from 28 percent in 2000. Under a relatively conservative scenario, this trend will increase the region’s share in global energy use to 51 percent by 2035.

Riding on the paradigm shift in energy markets, Korea will present to participants its ongoing ambitious project to build a Northeast Asian oil hub.

Minister Yoon also will hold bilateral talks with his counterparts at the venue to expand economic cooperation and partnership in the energy sector.

By Seo Jee-yeon (jyseo@heraldcorp.com)