Vice-premier: Selling of national companies is premature

/IRBIS, Apr 19, 01/ - According to REUTERS, the vice-premier, Uraz Djandosov considers that selling of national companies in this year would be inexpedient step. The reason is unregulated legislation concerning activity of natural monopolies that have been prepared for selling. Many government officials have reported that government stake in the national companies could go through selling. Among them is national railroad operator, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy and gas transportation company, Kaztransgas. Mr. Djandosov also reported that he has no objections against privatization of Kazatomprom. He informed that by Apr.30 the Ministry of Finance would prepare privatization program for 2001-2002. The program will define companies whose state stakes would be sold. Privatization revenues in budget-2001 account for KZT38.0 bln. ($1=KZT145.55)