PARAMARIBO, June 24 (Reuters) - Chinese energy company PetroChina 601857.SS is this year focused on defining well locations in Suriname, where it participates in two shallow-water blocks, and drilling is expected to begin in 2027, the firm's head for the South American country said on Wednesday.

"Looking ahead, we have formulated a clear operation plan," Li Guoyong, general manager of PetroChina's Suriname unit, said at an energy conference.

The company in 2024 signed production sharing contracts for Blocks 14 and 15, following a bidding round. State-run Staatsolie has a 30% participation in the areas through its subsidiary Paradise Oil Company.