/IRBIS, Dec.21, 99/ - Statistics agency of Kazakhstan informs that by preliminary estimates external trade balance of Kazakhstan (including CIS countries) from January to October 1999 equals positive $219.7 mln. For similar period of 1998 the balance was negative $1,305.2 mln.

Net exports from January to October of this year reached $4,288.2 mln, imports - $4,068.5 mln. corresponding figures for last year - $5,120.6 mln and $6,425.8 mln.

Russia remains as the major trade partner of Kazakhstan: it accounts for 19.2 percent of total exports and 37.6 percent of all imports.