Growth of unemployment prevented in Astana in 2008: Mayor of Astana

ASTANA. January 27. KAZINFORM /Bauyrzhan Mukanov/ ?Owing to antirecessionary measures, growth of unemployment was prevented in Astana in 2008?, Mayor of Astana Imangali Tasmagambetov has said today at the session of the Kazakh Government, Kazinform reports.

?About 5 thousand people were dismissed in Astana last year. 90% out of them are migrant workers from the regions of the country and CIS and non CIS countries. The rest 10% of citizens were reemployed?, I.Tasmagambetov said. Wage arrears of middle and large enterprises in Astana increased from KZT 160 mln to KZT 550 mln in 2008. The Akimat established an interdepartmental commission that solves such problems. ?We educed 17 companies that owed salaries. One of them was closed. Concerning the others, we have assurance in debt reduction?, the Mayor said.