Shana- The National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) says it will hold a tender for developing South Azadegan oilfield in the near future.

Managing Director of NIOC Ali Kardor said on Tuesday that the company has planned a tender for developing the field soon.

He also expressed hope that a deal for developing phase 11 of the supergiant South Pars Gas Field will be signed before the calendar yearend to March 20 or early next year.

Speaking to Shana, Kardor said the vendor list of potential developers for NIOC projects may be updated with new companies after the company finishes studying their credentials and qualifications.

"Not all the companies included in the vendor list are supposed to show up for the South Azadegan tender and what matters is the qualification of potential developers in the project."

He also said that preparation of the draft of oil deals has made 90% progress and the documents will be most likely ready by next week.

Kardor, who is also deputy petroleum minister in petroleum affairs, added that studies for developing phase 11 of the South Pars gas field have concluded and tender documents for sideline projects have been prepared.

"I am optimistic the final deal for developing the project will be signed by the calendar yearend or early next year," the official said.