Apache to increase oil and gas exploration investment in Egypt to $1bn

US-based oil and gas company Apache has reportedly unveiled plans to increase its annual investment in exploration activities in Egypt to $1bn.

The decision comes after Apache CEO John Christmann held a meeting with Egypt’s Petroleum Minister Tarek al-Molla, Xinhua reported, citing a statement released by the Egyptian Petroleum Ministry.

The company’s intention to increase exploration is aimed at supporting Egypt’s reserves while helping to increase the country’s oil and gas production.

In a statement, the ministry said: “Christmann and Al-Molla discussed means to expand Apache’s exploration activities in Egypt, as well as the company’s ongoing projects and future investment plans in the country.”

The company is planning to form a partnership to prepare a five-year plan for oil exploration in the country.

The proposed plan will outline the expected investments and production using advanced technologies in the oil and gas industry, according to the news agency.

Christmann also lauded the economic progress made by the Egypt Government in the oil field over the past three years through investment-friendly policies.

Last month, Apache reached a deal with Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum to invest $9bn towards exploration and production of oil and gas in the country’s Western Desert.

Operating in Egypt for 22 years, Apache is one of the largest oil companies in the country’s Western Desert.

Other major international energy firms engaged in oil and gas exploration in the country include Italy’s Eni and UK’s BP.

Eni operates the Zohr gas field offshore Egypt, which was discovered in August 2015 and is said to be the largest in the Mediterranean Sea.