At least six foreign companies have shown interest in obtaining licenses to explore and develop oil and gas fields in Mozambique, dpa quoted the National Petroleum Institute (INP) as saying today. INP in a statement said had just closed the fourth tender for the concession of potential areas for exploration and production of hydrocarbons in various regions of the country. Six companies had shown interest in gaining a license. The companies come from such countries as Australia, Switzerland, Norway, South Africa, Angola, Britain and Canada. The bidding process was opened in November 2009 and the winning bids will be announced in September. Mozambique has become attractive for foreign investments in developing its hydrocarbon reserves. About a dozen multinational oil companies are currently involved in exploration activity in the country, including Petronas (Malaysia), Artumas (Canada), ENI (Italy), Anadarko (US) and Norsk Hydro (Norway).
