Government intervention and free markets will be necessary to grow global liquefied natural gas (LNG) demand in the next decade and provide markets for U.S. gas producers, according to industry executives.

Cheniere Energy Inc.’s Anatol Feygin, chief commercial officer of the largest U.S. LNG exporter, said at the recent Gastech Virtual Summit that the Houston operator expects Asia to continue to be the main driver for LNG demand growth. China’s government will play a major role because of its commitment to increase the use of natural gas in the energy mix to 15%, he said.

“LNG will be a key component of that as will additional pipeline supplies,” said Feygin.

Government regulations are needed to build out a nationwide pipeline grid and LNG import terminals, as well as...