Volume of investments in Kazakhstan in Jan-Feb of 2003/2002 rose by 5.3%

/REUTERS, Almaty, March 14, 03/ - Volume of investments into the main capital Kazakhstan in January-February of 2003 increased by 5.3% in comparison with similar period of last year and equaled to KZT87.5 bn ($270 m), informed Kazakhstan statistics agency. Growth of investments within this period was observed in 10 regions of Kazakhstan. Decrease of investments volumes has occurred within the reporting period in North-Kazakhstan oblast (by 53%), Akmola oblast (by 40%), Mangistau oblast (by 47%), Pavlodar oblast (by 19%). Major sources of investments into the main capital in January-February of this year were own funds of managing subjects (54.4%) and foreign investments (38.8%). Budget means were equal to 6.8%. In January-February of 2003 there were spent KZT58.1 bn or 66.4% of total investments volume for industry development. Priority branches are still production of oil and natural gas (53.6%), and also transport and communication (14.3%). ($1=KZT151.5) [2003-03-14]