KIEV, April 12 - Ukraine will begin exporting its natural gas to Europe in four to five years and will become a net exporter of energy by 2025, Energy and Coal Industry Minister Eduard Stavytskiy said Friday.

The plans underscore Ukraine’s efforts to develop onshore and offshore gas deposits, he said, adding that at least four new production sharing agreements with major companies will be signed by year-end.

“We plan to sign at least four more production sharing agreements by the end of the year in addition to two that are in effect,” Stavytskiy said in comment released by the energy and coal industry ministry.