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China, Russia, Japan bidding on giant Iran oil field
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SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Wednesday, September 6, 2006
NICOSIA — Iran has set a Sept. 15 deadline to draft an agreement for
the development of a giant oil field.
"If the contract cannot be finalized with Japan's INPEX Corp by Sept.
15, then we will use Iran's eye-catching potentials for tenders and use
local contractors," Mehdi Bazaargan, managing director of Iran's state-owned
Petroleum Engineering and Development Co., said.
Bazaargan said the Oil Ministry would examine bids from Chinese, Iranian
and Russian energy contractors. He said Iran could select an Iranian prime
contractor, with partners from China and Russia.
Officials said Japan's Inpex has been given preference to develop the
Azadegan oil field, which would require an estimated $2 billion investment.
They said unless Inpex signed the deal, development of Azadegan would be
offered to other companies. The negotiations with Inpex have been stuck
since 2004 amid U.S. opposition.
Copyright © 2006 East West
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