FORECAST: Kazakhstan expects $1.0-1.5 bln direct investments in 2000

/IRBIS, March 1, 00/ - REUTERS informs, with the reference to the chairman of the agency on investments Dulat Kuanyshev, that direct investments into Kazakhstan may reach $1.0-$1.5 bln, with most of them focused on oil sector. He believes gross investments will be even higher. The agency makes its forecasts based on the predictions of the major companies, for instance, a consortium that develops Karachaganak gas condensate deposit site plans to invest $1 bln this year. The chairman said rough estimates showed $1.3 bln gross investments last year, of which $1.1 was net investments. However, he does not exclude that these figures will be corrected. Last year most of the investments were made into oil projects, such as Tengizchevroil and Karachaganak, he said. USA accounted for 30% of all investments, and Holland, where the operator company of Karachaganak consortium is registered, was one of the main investors.