At present, cooperation is being expanded with China, India, Thailand, Russia, and countries from the Middle East in Myanmar’s offshore oil and natural gas projects, Union Minister for Energy U Ko Ko Lwin said.

The Union Minister made the remarks during a meeting with the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Ms. Ma Jia, at the Lower Myanmar Office (Sein Lei May) of the Ministry of Energy in Yankin Township, Yangon Region, on December 30.

During the meeting, the Union Minister explained that with advances in technology, oil and natural gas reserves associated with Myanmar’s offshore areas linked to the Ayeyawady and Gulf of Martaban sedimentary basins are now being identified more accurately. As a result, investment from Thailand in these areas is increasing. He also noted that India is currently carrying out oil and natural gas exploration and drilling activities in areas near the Andaman Islands.

He further said that this is an opportune time to enhance cooperation in the energy sector and attract greater investment in line with agreements reached between the leaders of Myanmar and China. He reiterated that cooperation is currently being strengthened with China, India, Thailand, Russia, and Middle Eastern countries in Myanmar’s offshore oil and gas projects. As demand for natural gas is rising not only in Myanmar but also in China and Thailand, Myanmar is seeking cooperation in technology and capital to further increase natural gas production from its offshore blocks.

Following this, discussions were held on boosting production at mature oil and gas projects through the use of technology; a joint project to obtain crude oil from the Myanmar–China crude oil pipeline and construct a new refinery; investment opportunities for upgrading and building new oil refineries and fertilizer plants; and frameworks for government-to-government cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting was attended by the Union Minister, relevant officials, and representatives from the Chinese Embassy.