The Myanmar government plans to launch the bidding of 30 offshore oil and gas blocks by end-April 2013. It had initially planned to put the blocks on offer in 2012, but the bidding round was postponed amidst concerns from foreign investors over transparency in the industry. The government has pledged to abide strictly by international standards in the upcoming bidding process. The auction of exploration rights will be another step in the rapid opening up of the country to foreign investment, since the establishment of a civilian government in March 2011.
