The state-run Korea Gas Corp. on Friday said it hoped its efforts to help Daegu win its bid to host the 2021 World Gas Conference would pay off, adding that it believes Daegu has a good chance at winning.

Daegu, Korea’s third-largest city, is vying in fierce competition against strong contenders including cities in Norway, Russia and China to win the global event that over 6,000 industry leaders are expected to attend.

“We will continue to work till the end to help Daegu clinch the bid,” said KOGAS CEO Jang Seok-hyo, who has been in Europe since the start of this month to meet the International Gas Union members.

The union will decide the host city for the 2021 WGC through a vote among members at the union’s 2014 annual meeting in Berlin, Germany, from Oct. 14-17. Finalists will be announced next week.

KOGAS, the world’s largest liquefied natural gas importer, in March hosted the Gastech Conference and Exhibition, another significant international gas industry event.

Some critics said Daegu’s chance was dimmed following embezzlement allegations raised against the KOGAS head by the opposition political party, but the gas corporation dismissed the concerns.

“These are groundless allegations and I will respond to any requests from the government and lawmakers regarding the issue as needed,” Jang said.

He also expressed concerns that rival cities also bidding for the conference would try to take advantage of the situation, as Daegu had been considered a strong candidate from the beginning.

Government officials and politicians who have been working with KOGAS to attract the 2021 WGC said they hoped the allegations would not have an adverse effect on South Korea’s bid for the all-important gas conference.

“It is deeply regrettable that the opposition party has stirred up controversy when Jang has not been summoned or come under probe,” said Rep. Jhun Ha-jin of the ruling Saenuri Party. He said the bid is in the national interest and that he would urge the government and his party to fully support it.

“Hosting the conference would be a dream come true for many Daegu citizens,” said Daegu Mayor Kwon Young-jin.

Up to 2,500 new jobs are expected to be created should Daegu become the host, with the overall economic effect reaching 120 billion won.

By Park Han-na (hnpark@heraldcorp.com)