analysis
ANALYSIS: Kazakhstan first in, first out of crisis
(bne) - Predictions that Kazakhstan would be first in, first out of the crisis have proved to be not far from the truth. The rise in commodity prices over the last year has boosted the natural resources sector, which has in turn dragged the rest of the economy, including the banking sector, along with it.
ANALYSIS: Kazakhstan reasserts control over big energy projects
(bne) - On the heels of news that KazMunaiGas has signed off on the deal to increase its stake in the Kashagan project come reports Kazakhstan is close to striking a deal over the Karachaganak venture, under which the international consortium developing it would avoid export duties in return for handing over a stake.
ANALYSIS: BTA back from brink but still has legacy issues
(bne) - With its $11-billionn debt restructuring agreed, BTA Bank, once Kazakhstan’s largest lender, is set to resume its position as a serious competitive force within the sector.
ANALYSIS: Bank lending lags Kazakh recovery
(bne) - Kazakhstan’s economic growth is accelerating, though bank lending is continuing to lag the recovery and the volume of loans this year will be almost half of what it was expected to be, according to a new report from VTB Capital.
COMMENT: Eurasia in the global economy
(SRI) - Eurasia, the landmass bridging the traditional continents of Europe and Asia, has become a bulwark of the global economy.
ANALYSIS: Kazakhstan’s first restructuring fund open for business
(bne) - After a first close on $100 million in June, the Kazakhstan Capital Restructuring Fund (KCRF) will soon start investing into financially distressed companies in the Central Asian country.
ANALYSIS: Capital building in Kazakhstan
(bne) - Astana seems an empty place in winter when the Siberian cold drives the population inside. But in June the Kazakh capital’s streets are a hive of activity as gangs of workmen frantically resurface roads and prepare new buildings for the dual birthday celebrations for Astana and President Nursultan Nazarbayev.
ANALYSIS: Halyk predicts growing competition in Kazakh bank sector
(bne) - While Kazakhstan’s other big banks floundered, Halyk Bank came through the financial crisis in relatively good shape and accounted for the lion’s share of banking sector profits in the first quarter of this year.
ANALYSIS: Kazakhstan bounces back but banks remain a worry
(bne) - Confident in the revival of the Kazakh economy on the back of rising commodity prices and strong government support, the mood among delegates at the Annual Fitch Ratings Conference on Kazakhstan was optimistic, despite lingering worries about the banking sector.
ANALYSIS: China opens up way for Kazakh grain exports to Asia
(bne) - Kazakhstan is planning to export up to 3 million tonnes of grain to East and Southeast Asia this year after China lifted a ban on such exports through its territory.
