Uzbekistan's state energy company Uzbekneftegaz and China's Honghua Group have discussed accelerating deliveries of drilling equipment and expanding cooperation to support growing drilling volumes in the country's oil and gas sector.
This was stated in a message from Uzbekneftegaz.
The negotiations took place during a visit of a delegation led by Uzbekneftegaz Chairman Abdugani Sanginov to China, where representatives of the Uzbek company met with the management of Honghua Group, one of China's leading manufacturers of drilling equipment for the oil and gas industry.
The parties reviewed the progress of current joint projects and discussed prospects for expanding long-term partnership.
"Special attention was paid to ensuring the supply of drilling equipment within agreed timelines and, if possible, accelerating shipments to support drilling operations," the company said.
According to Uzbekneftegaz, the parties have already signed contracts for the supply of four ZJ70 drilling rigs with a lifting capacity of 450 tons.
During the meeting, it was emphasized that the fastest possible delivery of equipment would accelerate drilling operations and bring new wells into operation in a timely manner.
The parties also discussed the development of the specialized subsidiary UNG Burg'ilash, created by Uzbekneftegaz to increase drilling volumes and strengthen the company's technical capacity. Opportunities for expanding cooperation to support the further activities of this enterprise were considered.
In addition, the meeting participants exchanged views on the terms of possible new orders, taking into account years of cooperation and the implementation of existing contracts.
The meeting reflects broader efforts by Uzbekneftegaz to modernize its drilling rig fleet, boost domestic hydrocarbon production, and strengthen partnerships with international equipment suppliers as part of Uzbekistan's drive to intensify exploration and oil and gas production.