"Zarubezhneft" took part in a tender on exploration of block 09-3 for oil and gas resources on the continental shelf in the south of Vietnam. Under the conditions of severe competition among the participating foreign companies, the Company managed to win the tender.

Block 09-3 is being developed by Joint Russian –Vietnamese - Japanese Venture “VRJ-Petroleum Co.”, consisting of JSC Zarubezhneft (50% of shares), Vietnam Oil and Gas Corporation Petrovietnam (35%) and Idemitsu Cuu Long Petroleum Co. (15%).

On September 20, 2006, after 4 years of exploration works, oil flow with rate of 600 cubic meters per day was achieved at Block 09-3. The flow was achieved at the oilfield Doi Moi after carrying out the testing of the well 03-9-DM-2X at the depth of 4 130m.

Signing a three-party Petroleum Contract on joint exploration of Block 09-3, Hanoi, Vietnam, January, 2002