On the final leg of a trade mission to Asia December 2, British Columbia Premier Christy Clark signed two agreements fortifying relationships to increase investments for natural gas development in the province.
In Tokyo, Clark signed a new three-year memorandum of energy co-operation and development with Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan's minister of economy, trade and industry, to "expand co-operation and strengthen energy-related business opportunities."
The memorandum provides a framework for areas of co-operation, including:
- accelerated investments into LNG exploration and development;
- industrial co-operation of related industries through business matching opportunities;
- timely and effective infrastructure construction and environmental assessment processes; and
- information sharing on energy policies and technologies.
Also in Tokyo, Clark renewed a memorandum of understanding on mutual co-operation with the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) to work together and share information on natural gas activities.
Since the MOU was first signed in May 2012, the province and JOGMEC have worked closely together as JOGMEC and its partners pursue natural gas projects in B.C. In particular, the province provides support for JOGMEC as it considers the feasibility of a gas-to-liquids project in B.C.
To further LNG investment in Asia, Minister of International Trade Teresa Wat opens the B.C.-Guangdong LNG Seminar December 3. The South China region is one the largest consumers of LNG in the country and this seminar allows natural gas shareholders to explore LNG investment opportunities in B.C.
