It signed the production-sharing contract for the Urga, Kuanish and Akhchalak fields, located in the Uzbek northern region of Ustyurt.

Petronas Carigali Overseas Sdn Bhd holds 100 percent interest for the development and production of the fields, it said in a statement.

The heads of agreement for the proposed GTL project was signed with Uzbekneftegaz National Holding Co, calling for Petronas to undertake detailed feasibility studies for the development.

Last December, Petronas signed agreements with Uzbekistan to drill for oil from two blocks in south Uzbekistan.

Petronas Carigali has a 20 percent stake in the Aral Sea production sharing contract, which is at an exploration stage. Other partners in the venture are state-run UzbeknefteGaz, CNPC International Ltd, parent of PetroChina (0857.HK: Quote, Profile, Research) (PTR.N: Quote, Profile, Research), Korea National Oil Corporation and Lukoil Overseas Holding Ltd (LKOH.MM: Quote, Profile, Research).

Petronas is also undertaking joint studies with UzbeknefteGaz for cooperation in the development of downstream petrochemical projects in Uzbekistan.