Kazakhstan will continue privatization in 2001

/IRBIS, Jan 29, 01/ - According to the Reuters, Kazakhstan will proceed with privatization in year 2001. The prime-minister of Kazakhstan reported that the privatization would be oriented on domestic investors. Kazakhstani premier did not exclude possibility of privatization including oil sector through the stock market. Mr. Tokayev considers necessity to sell 33% state share in Halyk bank in 2001. Previously, the government had developed plant that stipulated partial privatization of the bank in year 2000 and its full selling in 2001. Major domestic investors have since closely watched the government actions. The biggest private bank in Kazakhstan, KAZKOMMERTSBANK is openly demonstrating its interest in the Halyk bank. The government also prepares to transfer 25% state share of Aktobemunaigas JSC controlled by Chinese National Oil Company (CNOC) in trusty ownership of Access Industries. The government approved this deal in December 2000. The premier also informed that the government still seeks an investor for national communication operator - Kazakhtelecom. European Bank of Reconstruction and Development offers $70 mln for 30% stake but the government hopes to find higher price.