TOKYO, JAPAN - On the final leg of Jobs and Trade Mission 2013, Premier Christy Clark signed two agreements, fortifying relationships to increase investments for natural gas development in B.C.

"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."

Premier Clark signed a new three-year memorandum of energy co-operation and development with Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Toshimitsu Motegi 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, Premier Clark renewed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) 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 Government of British Columbia 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, tomorrow, Minister of International Trade Teresa Wat will be opening the B.C.-Guangdong LNG Seminar. 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.

Quick Facts:

• Japan is the world's third-largest economy and remains a high-tech powerhouse.
• Japan is British Columbia's third-largest export destination, as B.C. leads Canadian provinces in trade with Japan, with $4.2 billion of Canada's $10.4 billion in exports to Japan in 2012. B.C.'s exports to Japan are two times higher than the next leading province.
• The 2013 Jobs and Trade Mission is supported by British Columbia's international trade and investment network throughout Asia. British Columbia's trade and investment office in Tokyo provides customized support for B.C. businesses and communities as B.C. expands markets for its goods and services, and attracts new investment.

Learn More:

The BC Newsroom has live updates from #TM13 here: http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2013/10/growing-markets-in-asia-and-promoting-investment-in-british-columbia---trade-missions.html

You can also follow the 2013 trade mission using www.BritishColumbia.ca, the Province's international-facing website, its Twitter feed at https://twitter.com/BCTradeInvest and on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/trade-&-invest-british-columbia

Contacts:

Sam Oliphant
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
250 952-7252

Blair Phelps
Communications Director
Ministry of International Trade
And Responsible for the Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism
250 356-7104