Ecopetrol is a state-owned industrial and commercial company, subscribed to the Mines and Energy Ministry, with legal existence, administrative and decision-making autonomy, and its own independent capital. At the worldwide level, Ecopetrol was ranked in 35th place, according to the study carried out by the Energy Intelligence Group. In its internal organization and relationships with third parties, it functions as a commercial company, engaged in the exercise of the core activities of the oil industry and trade, and its related products in accordance with the provisions of private Law and the regulations set forth in its By-laws, with the exceptions established in the law (Decree 120, 1994). Ecopetrol is constantly seeking associates to explore and produce hydrocarbons on Colombian territory, and in this sense, it is open to business on a first come, first serve basis.