Kazakhstan, Astana, Feb. 23 / Trend , K.Arynova /
It is necessary to repeal the moratorium on issuing tenders giving a right to use natural resources in order to attract more investment in oil and gas sector, Kazakh Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Sauat Mynbaev said today in Astana.
"This year we must adopt a new law on minerals and natural resources. Later we can repeal moratorium carrying out a tender for use of natural resources, Mynbaev said in the Parliament.
Minister stressed that his office has sent an inquiry to the government which is currently considering this issue. "For an objective and uniform approach to natural resource users the ministry proposes not annul contracts of 2008, where the level of financial commitment was 50-60 per cent, otherwise I'm afraid that we will have to cancel quite a lot. We cannot do now, minister added.
He added that the Government will review these issues shortly. "No final decision on the issue has been made," Mynbaev said.
Thirty-seven contracts on use of natural resources were annulled due to non-fulfillment of liabilities in Kazakhstan in 2008, Mynbaev said.
Roughly 80 percent of natural resources users fulfill their liabilities. "Presently, a monitoring is held over 900 contracts," the minister added.
In 2007, the Government took steps related to users of natural resources who do not fulfill terms of contracts. However, court examination revealed that there were gaps that need to be re-considered.
"The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry has initiated to include the Law on interiors of the Earth and usage of natural resources. Currently, the document is considered in Parliament," Mynbaev added.
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