Rabat, Morocco  - Petro-Canada and the German company RWE DEA will prospect for oil in an area of 20,000 square kilometres in south-eastern Morocco, the national hydrocarbons office ONHYM said Wednesday.

The agreement signed Tuesday foresees geological and other relevant studies during 30 months. Petro-Canada has already carried out preliminary studies in the area, while RWE DEA is a newcomer in Morocco.

The number of companies prospecting for oil in Morocco has increased from 11 in 2000 to more than 30 in 2007. Morocco currently imports 96 per cent of its energy. (dpa)