China: B.C. Premier Visits Rudong LNG Terminal (VIDEO)

The first weekend of Premier Christy Clark’s 2013 Jobs and Trade Mission was highlighted by a new natural gas venture establishing a Vancouver head office and Bluestar International Business signing an $80-million forestry deal that will see B.C. lumber used for infrastructure projects in China.

After arriving in Beijing on Friday, Premier Clark and Minister of International Trade Teresa Wat travelled to Nantong and toured the Jiangsu Rudong liquefied natural gas facility on Saturday, getting a first-hand look at a gasification plant capable of handling British Columbia’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.

“This facility is ready to receive B.C. natural gas and this is another sign that we need to deepen our relationship with China to increase trade and develop a brand new industry,” Premier Clark said. “LNG isn’t just a northern industry, but will create opportunities and jobs around the province – from direct jobs to support services to head offices. We are here to make sure that businesses and communities across B.C. benefit.”

Back in British Columbia, a new LNG project with links to the Rudong operation has put down roots in Vancouver. Woodfibre Natural Gas Limited, a newly formed Canadian company, together with Pacific Oil and Gas Limited, RGE’s energy company, is in the early stages of developing Woodfibre LNG, a natural gas liquefaction and export project near Squamish. Woodfibre LNG has now officially established its headquarters in Vancouver.

“Our expanded international trade and investment network and trade missions allow us to get in front of investors and promote British Columbia as an attractive destination for investment and for Asian companies looking to locate head offices for their North American operations,” said Teresa Wat, Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for the Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism.

Pacific Oil and Gas is a partner in the Rudong LNG facility, and RGE, headquartered in Singapore, manages various companies focused on resource-based manufacturing industries. It has assets exceeding US$15 billion and employs over 50,000 people worldwide.

“Our goal is to develop a project that provides sustained economic growth while continuing to support the work that has been done to improve Howe Sound over the past few years,” said Byng Giraud, vice president of corporate affairs, Woodfibre LNG. “Having our head office in Vancouver and eventually setting up another office in Squamish will allow us to work closely with prospective partners, service providers, the community and First Nations while also being ideally situated to connect with investment partners in Asia and around the world.”

[mappress]

LNG World News Staff, November 25, 2013; Image: gov.bc