Global oil and gas major, TOTAL S.A. TOT extended its tie-up with Korea Gas Corporation (“KOGAS”), which allows it to explore opportunities throughout the LNG value chain. The primary objective of the agreement is to jointly identify and pursue opportunities to develop the LNG market in Asia, find new importing countries and to cooperate in LNG trading and terminal optimization.Asian countries are growing their energy consumption. Coal is an important fuel but LNG can actually help in meeting demand for clean fuel across the major developing countries of Asia. So, LNG market development by these two players could effectively address and channelize this demand.Both TOTAL and KOGAS have LNG operations in Asia. They can actually build up from their existing bases and benefit from the increase in LNG imports to Asian countries. We believe the global awareness of clean burning fuel will result in higher usage of natural gas in Asian countries. LNG will be the best mode to transport large volumes of natural gas from high production zones to high demand areas.TOTAL is among the top LNG players across the globe. The company produced 10.2 million tonnes of LNG in 2015. Thanks to its trading, marketing and logistics businesses as well as its LNG contract portfolio, TOTAL can directly supply natural gas and liquefied natural gas to customers around the world while maintaining the flexibility of adapting to demand and taking the advantage of market opportunities.During fourth quarter 2015, TOTAL shipped the first cargo from Gladstone LNG in Australia and signed long-term LNG sale and purchase agreements with Pertamina in Indonesia and with ENN in China.TOTAL also has plans to expand its operations organically. The company plans to start five projects under the Upstream segment, with one already in operation from Feb 8.TOTAL S.A. currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the same space are PetroChina Co. Ltd. PTR, Sasol Ltd. SSL and OMV Aktiengesellschaft OMVJF, each sporting a Zacks Rank #1(Strong Buy).Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportWant the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report PETROCHINA ADR (PTR): Free Stock Analysis Report TOTAL FINA SA (TOT): Free Stock Analysis Report SASOL LTD -ADR (SSL): Free Stock Analysis Report OMV AG ADS (OMVJF): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research