Southeast Asian economies have gone through different levels of privatisation and liberalisation
in their energy industries, the most advanced of which are the electricity industries. With the huge
upfront investment costs required for the construction of pipeline infrastructures, it is obvious that
Southeast Asian economies can no longer afford nor wish to invest government funds for the
construction of such projects. Governments would remain as regulators to ensure a level playing
field in the natural gas industry so that the interests of all parties involved, including producers, gas
transporters, pipeline owners and investors are taken care of.