B.C. Minister Strengthens Relationship with LNG Proponents in Asia

A business-development trip by Minister of Natural Gas Development Rich Coleman has strengthened British Columbia’s working relationship with large liquefied natural gas (LNG) proponents and investors in China, South Korea and Malaysia.

In all three countries, existing and new proponent companies and prospective investors endorsed the Province as a destination of choice for LNG plant construction and long-term operations. Final investment decisions are expected to be made on some projects in the next year.

The minister began his 12-day trip in Seoul, South Korea, where he delivered a keynote speech at the Canada-Korea Dialogue on Energy. In Beijing, he gave a keynote address at the ninth Canada-China Energy and Environment Forum, the largest gathering of Canada-China bilateral energy executives and policy makers to date.

Both speeches focused on British Columbia’s commitment to competitiveness, skills training and environmental leadership. These were also central themes during the minister’s panel discussion at the 22nd World Energy Congress, where British Columbia was widely acknowledged as a stable, attractive destination for trade and investment.

The minister also met with PETRONAS and toured the company’s LNG complex in Bintulu, Malaysia – one of the world’s largest LNG production facilities. This was the minister’s first opportunity to speak directly with PETRONAS – a state-owned company in Malaysia – since Prime Minister Mohd Najib announced a plan to invest $36 billion in the Pacific Northwest LNG facility, which is proposed for Prince Rupert.

As a fundamental part of the trip, the minister reinforced that the Province is committed to building positive business relationship with companies, government officials and other industry partners interested in helping to develop B.C.’s LNG potential.

Premier Christy Clark’s Jobs and Trade Mission in November will further B.C.’s LNG prospects by strengthening government’s connection to key stakeholders in Asia.

Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development: “The spotlight on British Columbia’s LNG potential is shining bright and we are open for business. Stakeholders in Asia want to diversify their energy portfolios and B.C.’s natural gas is in high demand. We are strengthening relationships and securing investments to make it happen, which will create unprecedented economic wealth and jobs for the people of our province.”

Greg Kist, president of Pacific NorthWest LNG: “British Columbia has many competitive advantages that make it an attractive place to invest. The fact that Minister Coleman specifically came to Malaysia to meet with PETRONAS represents a further step in building a positive working relationship as our project moves towards our final investment decision.”

Yang Hua, president of CNOOC Group and vice chairman of CNOOC Limited, owner of Canadian-based Nexen: “We are in Canada to invest, to be a good employer and to responsibly develop the energy that consumers, and a growing economy, demand. We appreciated the face-to-face meeting with Minister Coleman to learn more about LNG opportunities in British Columbia, share perspectives on the industry, and discuss the economic benefits that natural gas development is bringing to his province and the rest of Canada.”

Seokhyo Jang, CEO and president of KOGAS: “We were very pleased with the opportunity to meet directly with Minister Coleman. We are intending to pursue LNG Canada and the Minister’s visit strengthened our business relationship.”

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LNG World News Staff, October 30, 2013; Image: gov.bc.ca