Officials allocate KZT2.5bn for Amangeldy gas field development next year

/IRBIS, Sept 20, 01/ - Great Silk Road Worlds News Agency informs that draft budget 2002 allocates KZT2.5bn for Amangeldy field development. Kazakh Finance Minister Mazhit Yesenbayev stated yesterday in Astana that the draft envisages development of economy, social sector, and defense in the country. Development programs account for 25.7% (KZT154.2bn) of the budget, including KZT95.5bn to be allocated to implement investment projects. Defense spending accounts for 1% of GDP or KZT34.9bn exceeding the indicator of 2001 by 32% (KZT8.5bn). Officials allocated KZT42.2bn to strengthen security of the state, which is KZT13bn above the amount provided this year. Expenses for frontier fortification increased by KZT1.1bn. KZT753m were directed to the national anti-terrorist program. Repayment of the national debt will grow by KZT0.4bn to KZT44.5bn in 2002 to total 1.3% of GDP or 7.4% of the overall budget spending.