CARACAS, Venezuela — Five energy companies signed deals with Venezuela to rapidly increase oil and gas drilling, with some new wells expected to start as soon as this week, adding to the Trump administration’s efforts to increase production in the South American country.

Representatives with Chevron, Eni, GE Vernova, Primavera, and Aspect Energy all signed agreements with the Venezuelan government at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas on Wednesday afternoon.