OREANDA-NEWS. September 16, 2013. In Tashkent, in the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Uzbekistan's President Islam Karimov, Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) Xu Shaoshi and Uzbek First Deputy Prime Minister Rustam Azimov signed the second supplementary protocol to make changes to an Uzbekistan-China gas pipeline agreement signed a few years ago. CNPC Chairman Zhou Jiping and Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Gulomzhon Ibragimov signed a MOU for feasibility study on oil and gas exploration and development in two blocks and an agreement on principles of establishing a JV company for oil and gas exploration and development in the Karakul block in Uzbekistan.

CNPC and Uzbekneftegaz agreed to set up a joint working team to perform the feasibility studies, and a JV company to be in charge of oil and gas development in the Karakul block.

On September 8, Mr. Zhou Jiping paid a visit to Uzbek First Deputy Prime Minister Rustam Azimov. They had an in-depth discussion on CNPC’s cooperation projects in Uzbekistan. After the meeting, representatives from CNPC, Uzbekneftegaz, and Singapore’s INDORAMA signed a MOU on establishing a gas chemical plant at Uzbekneftegaz’s Mubarek Gas Processing Plant.

On the same day, Mr. Zhou met with Chairman of Uzbekneftegaz Shokir Fayzullayev. They exchanged views on further expanding oil and gas cooperation between the two sides. Later, they signed an agreement on establishing the New Silk Road Oil And Gas Company Ltd., and the articles of incorporation of the company.