A high-profile speaker has confirmed his attendance for the international LNG in B.C. Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Tan Sri Dato' Shamsul Azhar Abbas, president & group chief executive officer for PETRONAS will address more than 1,000 registrants during his keynote speech on the first day of the event, May 21, 2014.

“I want to thank Tan Sri Dato' Shamsul Azhar Abbas for joining our event and taking the time to speak about British Columbia’s future as an energy exporter,” said Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development. “We are promoting B.C.’s natural gas potential to the world and facilitating economic growth across our province.”

PETRONAS is leading the development of Pacific Northwest LNG, located on Lelu Island within the District of Port Edward. The project represents an estimated $11 billion investment, with construction requiring up to 4,500 jobs and long-term operations creating approximately 330 direct jobs.

Powering a Strong Economy: British Columbia’s LNG in the Global Market, will be held by the provincial government at the Vancouver Convention Centre from May 21-23, 2014. Industry and business leaders from around the world are registering for the event. The full itinerary will focus on the global competitiveness of natural gas markets, financing LNG proposals, First Nations and communities, the environment, and B.C.’s labour market.

In addition to the three-day conference, a trade-show floor will provide attendees with an opportunity to connect with local and international companies. An interactive career experience will also be on display for youth.

Registration is open for the event, in addition to booth spaces for companies who want to connect with stakeholders on the trade-show floor. Details and forms can be found online at: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/lnginbc/lng-conference/

Members of the media can register for the event by contacting Sandra Steilo at: Sandra.Steilo@gov.bc.ca

Quick Facts:

• B.C.’s first international conference − Fuelling the Future: Global Opportunities for LNG in B.C. - was held Feb. 25 and 26, 2013. First Nations leaders, representatives from 25 B.C. communities, federal and provincial government officials, academics, and 192 companies spanning eight countries participated.
• If five LNG facilities move forward, the cumulative gross domestic product benefit to British Columbia could total $1 trillion over 30 years.
• LNG export operations in B.C. could create over 100,000 jobs and new revenues for government to support a debt-free future.
• More details about the Pacific Northwest LNG proposal can be found at: http://pacificnorthwestlng.com/

Learn More at:

A Guide to British Columbia’s Liquefied Natural Gas Sector: http://www.gov.bc.ca/mngd/doc/LNG101.pdf

List of LNG proposals in B.C.: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/lnginbc/lng-projects/

Visit: www.LNGinBC.ca

Media Contacts:

Sandra Steilo
Media Relations
Ministry of Natural Gas Development
250 952-0617

Spencer Sproule
Senior Advisor, Corporate Affairs
Pacific NorthWest LNG
604 828-7680