Japanese and US investments to develop natural gas markets in Asia

Media IN Agencies November 17,
The Japanese and US governments have launched a cooperation program to develop LNG markets in Asia to boost demand in an area where demand for liquefied natural gas is expected to exceed supply by 2022 or 2023.
Japan, the world’s largest liquefied natural gas importer, is helping to build liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants in Asian regions, while the United States hopes to export liquefied natural gas produced at rock gas stations to the region.
Japan’s Ministry of Economy and Trade, responsible for energy policy, will increase the amount of financial assistance from the government to Japanese companies and cooperate with the United States to help Asian countries develop LNG-related plans and regulations.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US Vice President Mike Bens last week in Tokyo agreed to cooperate in the development of the energy sector through an investment assistance program for the extraction, development and production of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Specifically, companies will be allowed to apply for investments from JOGMEC Japan. The ministry hopes to encourage companies to participate in GTL projects.
Nippon Export and Investment Insurance and Japan Bank for International Cooperation provided low-interest loans for LNG projects provided that the gas is exported to Japan. Now, their loan coverage will be extended on preferential terms to include the construction of liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals if Japanese companies participate in GTL.