Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan’s state-owned oil explorer Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC) is looking to expand its international footprint by forging strategic partnerships with energy stakeholders in Libya and Vietnam, officials said on Monday.
The move reflects OGDC’s broader efforts to enhance cooperation with foreign oil and gas sectors, diversify its portfolio, and tap into new opportunities for exploration and production abroad, a step that could help strengthen Pakistan’s energy security and technical capabilities.
Speaking at a press briefing, OGDC officials highlighted recent engagements with counterparts in Libya, where the focus has been on exploring joint ventures in upstream and midstream oil and gas operations.
Libya’s rich hydrocarbon reserves present attractive prospects for collaboration, especially in areas such as enhanced oil recovery, reservoir management, and technical knowledge exchange.
Previously, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) operated a field in Libya, but the role has now shifted to a Turkish firm, which will take over as the operator. Under the updated agreement, Turkish Petroleum holds a 25% share, PPL retains a 35% stake, while Mari Energies and OGDC each hold 20% of the participating interests.
This arrangement highlights OGDC’s active engagement in international partnerships and its ability to collaborate with foreign firms on strategic projects.
OGDC is also in exploratory talks with industry players in Vietnam, a country with growing energy demand and a dynamic petroleum sector.
The discussions are aimed at identifying areas where both sides can benefit from shared expertise, investment, and technology, particularly in offshore exploration and development.
These international partnership drives come as Pakistan continues to seek ways to reduce its reliance on energy imports and build a more resilient domestic industry.
Expanding global energy ties can help OGDC access advanced technologies, enhance production efficiencies, and contribute to Pakistan’s long-term energy strategy.
The planned engagements build on a series of overseas initiatives taken by OGDC in recent years, which have included memoranda of understanding with foreign energy firms and collaborative research agreements.
With energy demand on the rise both domestically and internationally, OGDC’s push to explore partnerships in Libya and Vietnam underscores a growing recognition that global collaboration may be key to meeting future challenges in the energy landscape.
Minahil Khurshid holds a master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from CIPS, NUST. She has a strong interest in current affairs, geopolitics, and policy analysis.
