News Roundup - January 9, 2008

Eurasia Daily Monitor: Kazakhstan “trusts” Russian border guards

On December 29 border guards in East Kazakhstan arrested four people — two citizens of Uzbekistan, one citizen of Russia, and one citizen of Tajikistan — for allegedly attempting to smuggle 17 kilograms of heroin into Russia…

Itar-Tass: Kazakhstan’s GDP in 2007 amounts to about 9%-PM

Kazakhstan’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2007, according to preliminary estimates, amounted to 8.7 percent , Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Masimov said at a televised meeting of the government in Astana on Tuesday…

Guardian Unlimited: Kazakh 2007 GDP growth slows down after credit crunch

Kazakhstan’s economic growth slowed down in 2007 due to volatility in international debt markets that hit local banks, the Central Asian country’s government said on Tuesday…

Reuters: UAE’s IPIC signs MOU to build Kazakh petchem plant

The UAE’s IPIC has signed a memorandum of understanding with Kazakh state company KazMunaigas to build a petrochemical complex in western Kazakhstan, IPIC said in a statement on Tuesday…

Reuters: Kazkommertsbank granted new unified banking license

January 8, 2008 - Kazkommertsbank announces that in accordance with updated legislation a new unified license #48 dated 27th of December 2007, for execution of banking and other equity market operations and activities, has been registered by the Kazakh Financial Supervision Agency…

The Korea Times: Securities firms set eye on Central Asian market

Securities companies are accelerating efforts to boost their global networks by setting up beachheads overseas in line with the Capital Market Consolidation Act. Brokerage houses such as Daishin and Daewoo are lining up this year to set up offices in oil-rich Kazakhstan…

Marketwire: Tethys Petroleum Limited: Business news network interview

Tethys Petroleum Limited Dr. David Robson, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer gave a brief interview on Business News Network Power Breakfast which is available to view on the following link: http://broadband.bnn.ca/bnn/?sid=205&vid=25885