DHAHA, May 8, 2024 (BSS) - With positive response, seven international oil companies (IOCs) joined Bangladesh's offshore international bidding for energy extraction, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid said today.

"Many foreign companies are interested to work in Bangladesh. Around 15 international oil companies (OICs) took part in a promotional seminar on "Bangladesh Offshore Bidding Round 2024," in Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel today," he added.

Nasrul Hamid said state-run Petrobangla organised the seminar to share the incentives it has offered to the IOCs to take part in the bidding round.

He said Petrobangla floated tender this year considering Bangladesh's interest first, so that the contract could be signed following a win-win situation.

US based energy giant Chevron, ExxonMobil, Chinese CNOOC, ENI took part in the seminar.

A total of 24 offshore blocks -- 15 in deep water and 9 in shallow water -- have been offered in the bidding round to be closed on September 9.

Adviser to Prime Minister Dr. Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, BB and State Minister Nasrul Hamid were present as chief guest and special guest respectively in the seminar.

Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry Ziaur Rahman, Petrobangla Chairman Zanendranath Sarkar also spoke on the function.

Energy secretary Md Nurul Alam presided over the seminar.

Later, foreign participants joined answers and questions lively. They also showed their interest in Bangladesh's energy and its future activities.