"I think the world still needs this gas.. with the cancellation of a lot of projects and companies reducing capital expenditure left and right due to the situation."
Reuters reported in February that QP had delayed choosing Western partners for the expansion by several months after a collapse in global gas prices.
Kaabi said selecting those partners "goes hand in hand" with finalising the contractor bids, and will also happen before the end of the year. QP has shortlisted six international oil firms for up to a 30% stake in the project's first phase, he said.
The second phase, known as the North Field South project, will boost Qatar's LNG production capacity to 126 mtpa by 2027 through the construction of two more trains.
Kaabi said there would be no delay in the second phase of the project, or reduction in its scope.
"We have zero projects that are being cancelled for the development of the North Field," he said.
FORCE MAJEURE
Global LNG demand has crumbled due to the coronavirus pandemic that has disrupted industrial output, with countries worldwide imposing lockdowns and strict travel curbs to slow its spread.
Indian buyers of Qatari LNG issued a force majeure notice to Qatar seeking to delay loading of LNG cargoes under long-term deals due to the demand drop. PetroChina has also suspended some natural gas imports, including LNG shipments.