News Room

Inpex Meeting - Another Important Step

[ 17/03/2008 ]

Chief Minister Paul Henderson has met with top Inpex officials for the second time in a matter of weeks as his trade mission to Japan, China and Hong Kong moved to Tokyo.
 
“We’re the definite underdogs to be chosen for the possible development of the Ichthys gas field – but at least we’re now in the race,” Mr Henderson said.
 
“The recent signing of the project facilitation agreement between Inpex and the NT Government was encouraging – and today’s meeting is another important step.
 
“I put forward what I believe is a strong case to Inpex chairman Kunihiko Matsuo and President Naoki Kuroda.
 
“Darwin offers a high degree of certainty and security for the project – with land on Middle Arm Peninsula available for the development of current and future LNG facilities.
 
 “We provide access to a modern deepwater port, an international airport, direct links to the National highway and rail networks, and we have the attributes of a modern city.
 
“We also have a proven track record of delivering large projects.”
 
Earlier in the day Mr Henderson met with the Senior-Vice Minister of Japan’s Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry (METI), Masashi Nakano.
 
The Chief Minister also held high level talks with two of Japan’s biggest energy utilities – Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) and Tokyo Gas.
 
The Chief Minister will head to China tomorrow – during his visit he will meet with business leaders, the China Development Bank and will host an event for potential investors in Shanghai.