Lukashenko hopes for Kazakh investments in high-tech sectors

ASTANA, May 24 (Itar-Tass) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko
said he was hoping for Kazakhstan's investments in high-tech sectors of
the Belarusian economy.
"We agreed to set up new joint ventures not just here, but also in
Belarus, with Kazakh stakes," Lukashenko said in Astana on Tuesday,
following talks with Kazakh leader Nursultan Nazarbayev.
According to him, the Kazakh leader "has long shown an interest in
high-tech companies in Belarus."
Specifically, Lukashenko noted Nazarbayev's interest in the Integral
joint stock company, which develops, produces, and exports chips for
electronic appliances.
"We're interested in investments in this company," he underlined.
The Belarusian president noted that Kazakhstan had good contacts with
such high-tech states as South Korea and Japan, and expressed the hope
that they, too, would invest in the Belarusian economy.
"It will be mutual interest," Lukashenko said.
He noted that Kazakh companies would take an active part in the
privatization of large industrial facilities in Belarus.
Nazarbayev said Kazakhstan was interested in machine-building,
chemicals, oil refining and agriculture.
He believes that an active participation of Kazakh companies in the
Belarusian privatization program will help "build confidence, ensure
mutual investments, and benefit both countries."