Kazakhstan starts massive privatization

(AGI) - Astana, Oct 10 - The Minister of National Economy Kuandyk Bishimbayev noted that more than 783 state or quasi-state companies would be privatized by year 2017. "We expect that transfer of government assets to the private sector will give a positive impact to the development of entrepreneurship and provide new opportunities for the private sector", the minister noted at the briefing. Bishmbayev noted that such national companies as "KazMunaiGaz", "Kazakhstan Temir Zholy", Air Astana, "Kazakhtelecom", "KazPost", "Tauken Samruk" and "Samruk Energo". According the Minister, the named companies and others will be issued for initial public offering at Astana International Financial Center in year 2017. (AGI) .