France’s Total and Portugal’s Partex both plan to bid for oil and gas exploration blocks that Oman plans to auction, according to an executives from the companies.

“Total is particularly interested in the offshore exploration block, one of the 11 concessions planned this year by the government,” Bertrand Huillard, group representative for Total in Oman, said on the sidelines of an industry event in Oman, according to a Reuters report.

Previously it was announced that Oman plans to offer 11 oil and gas blocks for bidding by the end of this year. The country is relying on the expertise and investment provided by foreign energy players to help boost output.

Total is already active in Oman, holding a 4% stake in the country’s largest oil company, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO). Partex holds a smaller 2% stake in PDO.