The Netherlands signed a MoU with top LNG producer Qatar yesterday (June 8) to strengthen its energy ties with the country, the Dutch economy ministry said.

Experts see the Dutch move as part of its strategy to enter the liquefied natural gas (LNG) distribution scene.

'It's in line with our policy to intensify relations with gas producing countries. It's also due to security of supply reasons,' a spokesman for the ministry said.

The MoU was signed by Dutch Economy Minister Maria van der Hoeven and Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah.

The Netherlands has shifted its gas policy to increase imports while keeping its declining reserves, Europe's second biggest after Norway, as strategic stocks and an important source of revenue.

Last year, the Dutch government approached other gas-producing countries, such as Algeria, to line up LNG supplies as part of its ambition to turn the Netherlands into a distribution centre in north-western Europe.

Companies have proposed building three LNG import terminals in the Netherlands in the next two to three years.

Dutch exports to Qatar were worth $294 million last year, the ministry said.TradeArabia News Service