LNG potential in China huge, says industry expo organizer

HOUSTON - China has huge potential for liquefied natural gas (LNG) development, according to the organizer of an international industry event underway.

Pat LaStrapes, vice-chairman of the World LNG Fuels 2014 event committee, told Xinhua he saw the LNG industry as pretty much leading the way in China because of its huge market.

"In terms of market size, I think China's potential in the LNG industry is greater than that of the United States," he said.

The three-day World LNG Fuels 2014, a symposium and exhibition embracing all industries which produce, supply and consume LNG, opened in the George R. Brown Convention Center Wednesday and has attracted hundreds of industry leaders from across the country and abroad.

LaStrapes said about 75 exhibitors were on the floor and more than 80 industry leaders were scheduled to speak during the conference.

He said LNG was a cheap and clean energy with great potential and could make a difference to many industries.

The event, first launched in 2011, had grown from a Houston event to a regional and international one due to the booming energy industry in this city, LaStrapes said.