In March net gold and foreign exchange reserves of Kazakhstan increased to $2,452.0 mln

/IRBIS, Apr 04, 01/ - The National Bank of Kazakhstan (NBK) informs that in March 2001 net international reserves of the country, excluding the money of the National Fund of Kazakhstan, increased to $2,452.0 mln in current prices relative to $2,414.5 mln as of February 28, 2001. It is said that in current prices gross and net international reserves increased by 1.6%. The currency purchases of the National Bank increased reserves by $49.2 mln. While gold assets decreased by $11.6 mln due to a decrease of gold price on external market by 1.8%. Following is the table that describes the dynamics of the international reserves of the National Bank of Kazakhstan and that of the monetary base in March at current prices: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- As of As of As of March 31, 01 March 15, 01 Feb.28, 01 ----------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Net international reserves, mln USD 2,452.0 2,440.6 2,414.5 including: net assets in foreign exchange 1,976.0 1,948.2 1,926.8 gold 476.1 492.4 487.7 Monetary base, bln KZT 130.8 130.2 132.7 USD/KZT (at the end of period) 145.45 145.45 145.30 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net assets in hard currency is difference between gross assets and liabilities in hard currency.