B.C. Premier visits world's largest LNG markets to open doors

TOKYO, May 16, 2012 /CNW/ - Along with industry partners, British Columbia Premier Christy Clark will be making the first two stops on the latest trade mission with the first and second largest importers of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the world - Japan and Korea.

With tremendous industry support, the 2012 Premier's Mission will demonstrate to crucial LNG marketplaces that British Columbia has vast natural gas resources as well as secure plans to develop LNG exports.

Companies that are participating in the trade mission and looking to build relationships and expand their marketing capabilities in Japan and Korea include Apache, EnCana, EOG, Nexen Inc., Progress Energy/PETRONAS, Shell and Spectra Energy. Together the LNG projects they are investing in, or examining for future development, is expected to make British Columbia a reliable Canadian LNG supplier to international markets, as well as contributing to growth of the British Columbia economy.

Natural gas is the world's cleanest-burning fossil fuel. B.C. has a large supply of natural gas to support long-term production and projected demands. Through Canada Starts Here: the BC Jobs Plan, the government of British Columbia has shown its commitment to the LNG industry, including ongoing support for the skills training programs required to fill the natural gas opportunities in the future.

Quotes:

"It is by working together with government, First Nations and stakeholders that we will see a new LNG industry succeed in Canada," said Tim Wall, President of Apache Canada.

"Technological advancements have resulted in shale gas now being readily available and affordable," said Kevin Reinhart, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of Nexen Inc. "Expanding access to international markets and increasing global competitiveness represent important opportunities to enhance the value of this game-changing resource, and Nexen is pleased to take part in Premier Clark's trade mission to Japan and Korea."

"This trade mission has been another example of our industry working closely with the BC Government to ensure that LNG becomes a key part of our future," said Michael Culbert, President & CEO of Progress Energy. "What we heard in Korea and Japan is that our natural gas continues to be a highly valued product, and its development will be to the benefit of the citizens of British Columbia."

"On behalf of the LNG Canada project, we applaud the BC government's initiative for a second trade mission to Asia. It shows the province's commitment to developing relationships with the customers and markets of the future," said Lorraine Mitchelmore, president and country chair of Shell Canada. "BC has abundant natural gas and LNG Canada will be well-suited to deliver long-term value for British Columbia and access new export markets for Canada."

"I'm pleased that we're aligned with the Province of B.C.'s natural gas and LNG strategies and that we share an interest in job growth and economic development activity," said Doug Bloom, president, Spectra Energy's Western Canadian Operations. "We've been investing in B.C. for 55 years and believe we are an integral part of the province's energy sector. With over 850 employees in B.C. - and a natural gas system that delivers benefits for all residents - we remain committed to ongoing, responsible growth of the province's natural gas sector."

Apache
Paul Wyke, Senior Advisor
Communications & Media
Relations
Public & Government Affairs
T 403 303-5925
F 403 261-1269

Nexen Inc.
Davis Sheremata
Corporate Communications
Nexen Inc.
C 403 470-1447
F 403 699-5730
[email protected]

Progress Energy and PETRONAS 
Tamara Little
Director, Public Affairs
NATIONAL Public Relations
T 604-638-7451
C 604-767-0207
[email protected]

Shell 
Krista Edwards
Government Affairs
Shell Canada Limited
T 403 691-2457
C 403 390-8449
F 403 691-3998
[email protected]

Spectra Energy
Peter Murchland
Director, Communications
SET West
T 403-554-6685
[email protected]