Phnom Penh (FN), Nov. 21 – Cambodian Minister of Mines and Energy Keo Rattanak continued to call on countries such as France, China, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan to conduct a feasibility study and invest in oil operation in Block A offshore Apsara oil field in Cambodia.

Rattanak’s statement was made during a press conference on "Mineral and Energy Policy in Cambodia" on 21 November 2023 at the Sokha Hotel Phnom Penh.

After engaging with ambassadors from countries including France, China, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan, minister Rattanak consistently called on major mining corporations expressing interest in investing in oil operation in Cambodia’s Block A to conduct feasibility study as the government remains receptive to the investment opportunities.

On the occasion, the minister added that from the sale of nearly 300,000 barrels of crude oil pumped out of the Block A and stolen by the tanker MT Strovolos, Cambodia received a settlement of nearly USD 20 million.

Singapore-based KrisEnergy’s filing for bankruptcy had put Cambodian oil operations on Block A in jeopardy and some major plans on hold. The company’s struggles with the repayment of hundreds of millions of dollars to banks and foreign creditors affected the operations of Block A offshore Apsara oil field in Cambodia.
=FRESH NEWS