UK gas outfit BG Group has signed a cooperation agreement with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) aimed at supporting long-term LNG supply plans. BG Group will liaise with the state-owned bank on natural gas developments, and in return the bank will consider providing financial backing to BG projects in different parts of the world. Last week the Japanese cabinet approved the majority of a document which could mean the country goes nuclear-free in the long-term, leaving LNG with an opportunity to help fill a large energy supply gap. BG sees Japan as a key long-term customer.