The state-run Korea Gas Corporation, the world’s second largest liquefied natural gas importer after Japan, said it will host the 2014 Gastech Conference and Exhibition between March 24-27 at KINTEX, Gyeonggi Province.

The London-based Gastech, one of the world’s largest gatherings in the gas industry, has offered a venue for gas industry leaders and experts to exchange technological information and to build their global networking.

It is the first time Gastech will be hosted in Northeast Asia, where demand for gas is increasing at a past face thanks to continued economic development.

“About 400 multinational gas-related firms from 40 countries will join the 27th Gastech in Korea,’’ a KOGAS official said.

“The international gas event will help participating companies, including Korean players, discover business opportunities.”

Key attendees who have already confirmed their participation in the Gastech event in Korea include global oil and gas giants like Shell and Chevron, the KOGAS official said. Korean state-run and private gas giants will be joined at the event by offshore plant builders, including Hyundai Heavy Industries and Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering.

(jyseo@heraldcorp.com)