Receiving PRC Ambassador: MoE UM received PRC Ambassador to Myanmar

Union Minister for Energy U Ko Ko Lwin received Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China Ms. Ma Jia at the Lower Myanmar Branch Office (Sein Lae May ), Ministry of Energy, Yankin Township, Yangon Region on December 30.

During the meeting, the Union Minister stated that, due to technological advancements enabling more precise identification of oil and natural gas reservoirs, there has been increased investment from Thailand in offshore areas of Myanmar associated with the Ayeyarwady Delta and Gulf of Mottama. Currently, India is also conducting oil and natural gas exploration activities around the Andaman Islands.

He noted that now is an opportune time to enhance cooperation and increase investment in the energy sector, as agreed upon by the leaders of both countries. At present, cooperation with China, India, Thailand, Russia, and Middle-East countries is being promoted in Myanmar's offshore oil and natural gas projects.

He expressed the desire for technical and capital cooperation to increase natural gas production in Myanmar's offshore blocks, given the rising demand for natural gas not only in Myanmar but also in China and Thailand.

The two sides held open and frank discussions, exchanging views on the conditions for potential investments and the prospects for intergovernmental cooperation in various areas included using technology to enhance production in mature oil and natural gas projects, jointly constructing a new refinery to process crude oil obtained from the Myanmar-China crude oil pipeline, and upgrading or newly constructing refineries and fertilizer plants.