Mexico eyes Bolivian natural gas

Mexico is looking to buy Bolivian natural gas at the market rate, and collaborate in the exploitation of hydrocarbons in the Andean country as it aims to secure gas supplies, Luis Ernesto Derbez, Mexican foreign affairs secretary, said.

"We will see how we can work and cooperate with Bolivia in the exploitation of gas. Particularly due to Mexico's interest in having access to Bolivian gas, as well as to Peruvian gas, in order to supply our country's needs," Derbez told Argentine news agency Telam.

He said talks with Bolivian officials will begin soon in an effort to revive the project to export Tarija gas through the Pacific Ocean.

"We have already spoken to the Peruvian government and I hope we can close the deal in the coming months, and we are making the same proposal to Bolivia. With one great advantage: Mexico has no difficulty in terms of the price or volume" of gas, he said.

"We are not afraid to begin, from the outset, with the international price and accept it as the normal price for our consumption," he said.

Derbez also said Mexico is looking to hold talks with Indonesia, Australia and other countries in the Pacific Rim to secure natural gas supplies.