The top management of state-run Korea Gas Corp. has been in Europe since the start of this month to help Daegu win its bid to host the 2021 World Gas Conference, the company said Tuesday. 

Daegu, where KOGAS has moved its headquarters to from Seoul last month, served as the venue for the 22nd World Energy Congress in October last year.

“The Gas International 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 between Oct. 14-17,” a KOGAS official said.

“The KOGAS management is confident that, compared to its rivals, Daegu is in a favorable position for hosting the gathering due to its leadership role in organizing a variety of gas-related gatherings in Korea.”

KOGAS, the world’s single largest liquefied natural gas importer, hosted the Gastech Conference and Exhibition, one of leading international events in the gas industry, at KINTEX, in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province in March.

According industry sources, Norway, Russia and China are also vying to attract the 2021 WGC.

About 6,000 industry leaders from 90 countries are expected to attend the triennial event.

The country that hosts the 2021 WGC will serve as chair of the IGU for three years between 2018 and 2021. The world’s biggest gas industry conference and exhibition is also expected to lead to economic benefits for the host city, including job creation.

KOGAS CEO Jang Seok-hyo, meanwhile, dismissed concerns over the recent launch of a prosecutorial investigation against him on embezzlement charges.

“These are groundless allegations and I am positive that they would not adversely affect Daegu’s bid,” Jang said.

He also added that he would cooperate with the prosecutors’ investigation when he returned to Korea.

The CEO, who worked at KOGAS from 1983 to 2011, became CEO in August last year.

By Seo Jee-yeon (jyseo@heraldcorp.com)