Investments volume in Kazakhstan in the first half year of 2002 increased by 8.9%

/REUTERS, Almaty, July 15, 02/ - In Kazakhstan a volume of investments into main capital in the first half year of 2002 grew by 8.9 percent in comparison with similar period of last year and totaled KZT355.7bn (about $2.32bn), informed the Statistics agency of the republic. Growth of investments for this period was noted in 11 regions of Kazakhstan. Decline of investment volumes took place in North-Kazakhstan, Karaganda, West-Kazakhstan, Mangistau and Pavlodar oblasts. Investments into main capital for industry development from the total volume amounted toKZT223.7bn. Priority branches are oil and gas production (49%), operations with real estate (14%), transport and communication (10%) and processing industry (8%). [2002-07-15]