In January - September, 1999 GDP of Kazakhstan was the same as in January - September, 1998

/IRBIS, Oct.06, 99/ - According to REUTERS, which cites the minister of finance Uraz Dzhandosov, GDP of Kazakhstan in January - September, 1999 in real terms remained at a level of the last year corresponding period and has made 1,405 billion tenge. "As I predicted, in the third quarter we already shall reach the point, when there is no growth, but already there is no fall", - has told Dzhandosov. The Kazakhstan's GDP fall in 1998 has made 2.5%. In the first half-year of 1999 GDP has decreased by 3.3%. According to Dzhandosov, the situation in republican economy is improved, that is connected first of all with growth of world prices of oil and metals, which are the main export products of Kazakhstan. Dzhandosov has told, that there are basis to assume 5% growth of production in the third quarter in comparison with that of the corresponding period of 1998. As he said, a quite good situation develops in the agriculture: most likely the crop grain in Kazakhstan will exceed 13 million tonnes, in contrast to 7 million tonnes in the previous year. The government expects, that in 2000 GDP growth will make 1% or, as Dzhandosov said, even more.