13-09-09 Tunisia has awarded an oil and gas exploration permit to Canadian company DualEx Energy International as part of a drive to lure more investment to its energy sector. DualEx will work in partnership with Tunisian state-owned Entreprise Tunisienne des Activites Petrolieres (ETAP).
Under their production-sharing accord, the partners will invest $ 4 mm in the operation, TAP said. The agreement covers a total area of 416 sq km (260 sq miles) near the central city of Kairaoun.

Tunisia, which imports most of its oil needs, hopes new discoveries of oil and gas will boost domestic output.