Keynote address: For a brighter '90s in the Asia-Pacific region

There is every indication that the 1990's will herald a new age of natural gas in the Asia-Pacific region. The consumption of natural gas in this region is on the increase and the preparation of facilities for the development of natural gas is forging ahead. Natural gas can contribute substantially to every countries' energy strategy in terms of security and quality. Although natural gas is at something of a disadvantage compared to oil as far as cost is concerned, it is quite possible that further technological innovation may come to the rescue to reduce the costs of production and transportation. Although natural gas accounted for only 6% of the total composition of primary energy sources in the Asia-Pacific market in 1988 as compared with 20% in the world as a whole, this figure suggests that there is still enormous room for expansion in this region. The 21st Century has long been seen as the Asia-Pacific Era and it is absolutely vital in order to achieve it that one exploit the potential of natural gas to its fullest. And the author hopes that Japan will offer even more support through ODA for the development of natural gas, given its benefits in the aspects of both security and environmental preservation. The time is rapidly approaching when all the nations of the Asia-Pacific region will need to get together to formulate a comprehensive strategy for natural gas development taking account of not only the financial aspect, but also development of technology and the work force