TUNIS, April 14 (Reuters) - Tunisia has awarded an oil and gas exploration permit to Britain's Cairn Energy Plc (CNE.L: Quote, Profile, Research) as it seeks to lure more investment to its energy sector, Tunisian state news agency TAP reported on Monday.
Under a five-year production accord, Cairn, in partnership with Tunisian state oil firm Societe Tunisienne des Activites Petrolieres (ETAP), will invest $6 million in the exploration operation, TAP said.
The agreement covers an area of 3,352 square km near the eastern town of Nabeul.
Tunisia, which imports most of its oil needs, hopes new discoveries of oil and gas will boost domestic energy production.
The government of the north African country aims to drill 15 new wells per year between 2007 and 2011, up from eight wells in the previous five years. (Reporting by Tarek Amara; editing by Tom Pfeiffer)
Via [Reuters]
