The state budget deficit of 203 will equal KZT60-65 bn -government's estimates

/Kazakhstan today, 23.12.03/ - According to preliminary data, expenditures of a state budget of 2003 will equal to KZT776.2 bn or 98% of planned volume, Alexandr Pavlov, the first vice prime minister informed about this fact at press conference today, on December 23 in Astana, KZ-correspondent reports. At the same time he noted that based on preliminary data nearly KZT16 bn, state budget will be left unused in 2003. A. Pavlov pointed at "sluggishness and not high professionalism" of local officials, as well as at "existing economizing on tender". According to A. Pavlov, the state budget deficit in 2003, according to preliminary data, will equal to KZT60-65 bn - this is 1.6-1.7% of GDP. [2003-12-23]