Integration with APR opens new chances for Astana - Kazakh PM

ASTANA, May 5 (Itar-Tass) - Integration with Asia-Pacific countries
opens up new possibilities for Kazakhstan to push goods and gives an
access to markets, said here on Thursday Kazakh Prime Minister Karim
Masimov, speaking at the presentation of the Review of Economic and Social
Situation in the Asia-Pacific region in 2011.
The document was prepared by the UN Economic and Social Commission for
Asia and the Pacific Ocean (ESCAPO).
"Kazakhstan recognizes possibilities, appearing after greater
integration with ESCAPO countries. This includes more efficient movement
of goods, personnel and ideas, a better access to markets and higher
investment relations," he specified.
The premier confirmed Kazakhstan's readiness for close cooperation
with ESCAPO and other UN agencies "to tackle our common problems". "We
wait for further UN progress as well as programs for the economy in
Central Asia," Masimov said.
According to the ESCAPO forecast, Kazakhstan's economic rise in 2011
will total 6.2 percent, commission's executive secretary and UN deputy
secretary-general Noelin Heizer said at the presentation. She noted that
inflation in the republic edged up on 7.1 percent last year, but inflation
topped eight percent since last January, which is explained by price hikes
for foodstuffs on the global scale.
In Heizer's opinion, Kazakhstan should expand cooperation in trade and
energy with major regional economies in the nearest future as well as to
improve regulation of banking and to maintain financial stability.
Heizer stressed that constant efforts will be very important in the
mid-term period, as is the case all over the region, on diversifying the
economy, including concentrating on regional economic cooperation, and on
more diversified and stable development.