The smooth implementation of market liberalisation in order to increased infrastructure investment in the region requires adequate and effective mechanisms to protect consumers. Countries that are self-sufficient in energy production may have concerns about preparing for energy emergencies and their ability to react to growing demand. Countries which import energy may be vulnerable if they rely predominantly on imports of a single fuel or from a single countty. In the long term it is principally about investment in energy infrastructure, so that energy supply keeps pace with economic development. Clear policies and measures to increase energy security improve the competitiveness of the sector and send positive signals for investors across the energy system and economies more generally. However economies across the region have ambitions to create gas markets and are developing enabling legislative and regulatory frameworks in preparation.