The competition commission has selected six candidates out of 68 who submitted applications to participate in the first round of a competition to select the chairman of PJSC Ukrnafta's Board, according to Naftogaz Ukrainy, which owns a 51% plus one share in Ukrnafta.

"There will be meetings of the final round of the competition on July 7 and July 8, during which the candidates will have an opportunity to present in person their vision of reform at Ukrnafta and ways of boosting the company's efficiency," Naftogaz said on Tuesday.

According to Naftogaz, the main criterion for the selection of the candidates was compliance with the approved profile positions: work experience, education, necessary competencies, etc. Applications for the contest were filed by applicants from Ukraine, Great Britain, the United States, Romania, Egypt, Morocco, Norway, and Denmark. However, there is no detailed information about the selected six candidates.

During the final round, the competition commission which consists of members of Ukrnafta's supervisory board, representatives of ministries, and public and private independent experts, will determine the winner and will submit his or her candidacy for approval by the Cabinet's nomination committee. If approved, the winner's candidacy will be offered for consideration and approval by shareholders at a meeting scheduled for July 22, 2015, Naftogaz said.