KABUL - The Ministry of Mines said eight international companies have been shortlisted to invest in six blocks out of the 12 blocks in the development and production of oil and gas in the Afghan-Tajik Basin in the northeast of Afghanistan.

The ministry's spokesman, Mohammad Jawad Omer told Pajhwok Afghan News that the companies were from the United Arab Emirates, United States, Kuwait, India, Pakistan, Brazil, Thailand and Turkey.

The companies are Dragon Oil Intl Ltd, Kuwait Energy Plc, ONGC Videsh Ltd, Pakistan Petroleum, Petra Energia, PTTEP Holding Col, Esso International Exploration Ltd and Turkiye Petrolleri Anonim.

Omer said these companies were chosen by a commission from 20 international companies that tendered for the projects.

The eight companies would submit their documents and proposals to the ministry by October 31st and the ministry would sign a contract with a suitable company. (Pajhwok)