Japan to help BC gas development

As the British Columbian Jobs and Trades Mission 2013 comes to a close, Premier Christy Clark has signed two agreements with Japan, strengthening relationships to increase investments for natural gas development in BC.

“As the world’s largest importer of liquefied natural gas, Japan is a critical partner in the development of B.C.’s natural gas industry,” said Premier Clark. “We’re here to leverage our competitive advantages and make sure B.C. is top of mind for LNG investment.”

Clark signed a new three-year memorandum with Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Toshimitsu Motegi, to expand cooperation and strengthen energy-related business opportunities.

The agreement provides a framework for areas of cooperation including:

• Accelerated investments into LNG exploration and development
• Industrial cooperation of related industries through business matching opportunities
• Timely and effective infrastructure construction and environmental assessment processes
• Information sharing on energy policies and technologies

Clark also renewed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on mutual cooperation with the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) to work together and share information on natural gas activities.

Since the MoU was signed in May 2012, the BC government and JOGMEC have worked closely together to pursue natural gas projects in British Columbia. In particular, the province provides support for JOGMEC as it considers the feasibility of a gas-to-liquids project in BC.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/03122013/japan_helps_bc_gas_development_528/