The government of Afghanistan, in efforts to attract foreign capital and boost private sector, has put bid on its oil and gas fields in which 11 companies have shown their interest, a local newspaper reported Tuesday.

"So far 11 national and international companies have approached the Ministry for Mines and shown interest in investing in exploration of oil and gas from the northern Jauzjan and Saripul provinces," daily Rah-e-Nejat quoted Minister for Mines Mohammad Ibrahim Adil as saying.

The gas reservoir, according to the minister, has a capacity of 40 billion cubic meters while the oil field has an estimated reserve of 40 million tons in the above areas.

"After reviewing the proposals of the companies, agreement would be inked with the winner one," the daily quoting minister Adil added.