Myanmar is intensifying its energy cooperation with regional and global partners, including China, India, Thailand, Russia, and several Middle Eastern countries, to expand natural gas production, according to the Ministry of Energy.

At present, Myanmar and Thailand are jointly investing in oil and gas projects across the Ayeyawady and Mottama sedimentary basins, along with offshore exploration zones in Myanmar’s coastal regions. Meanwhile, India is reportedly conducting exploration and drilling operations in areas close to the Andaman Islands as part of a broader regional energy partnership.

According to a report by the Global New Light of Myanmar, discussions are underway between Myanmar and China to further enhance collaboration in offshore oil and natural gas projects. The initiative focuses on boosting production from Myanmar’s offshore blocks through advanced technology transfer and increased capital investment from Chinese companies.

Officials noted that as natural gas demand continues to grow in Myanmar, as well as in neighboring China and Thailand, the government aims to scale up output to meet domestic and export needs. The Ministry of Energy said Myanmar’s strategic goal is to utilize international cooperation to modernize its energy infrastructure and strengthen its position in the regional energy market.

Additionally, talks have been held on reviving mature oil and gas fields using advanced technologies, jointly constructing a new refinery using crude oil supplied via the Myanmar-China pipeline, and upgrading existing refineries and fertilizer plants. Cooperation frameworks between the governments of Myanmar and China for these projects have already been discussed, signaling a deeper alignment in long-term energy development.

Analysts say the move underscores Myanmar’s bid to leverage its offshore resources and expand foreign participation in its energy sector despite ongoing political and economic challenges.

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