/REUTERS, Almaty, April 14, 03/ - Volume of investments into the main capital Kazakhstan in January-March of 2003 increased by 3.7% in comparison with similar period of last year and equaled to KZT155.9 bn (a bit more than $1 bn.), informed Kazakhstan statistics agency.

Growth of investments within this period was observed in 10 regions of Kazakhstan.

Decrease of investments volumes within the reporting period occurred in North- Kazakhstan oblast (by 18%), Akmola oblast (by 42%), Mangistau oblast (by 34%) and West-Kazakhstan oblast (by 20%).

Major sources of investments into the main capital in January-March of this year were own funds of managing subjects (57.8%) and foreign investments (34.8%). Budget means took to 7.4%.

In January-March of 2003 there were spent KZT103.8 bn or two thirds of total investments volume for industry development.

Priority branches are still production of oil and natural gas (52.7%), and also transport and communication (15.7%), manufacturing industry (8.2%) and transactions with real estate (7.2%).

($1=KZT151.95)

[2003-04-14]