Daily monitor

Monday was rich with mixed macroeconomic statistics on Ukraine. The Ministry of Economy released data on February’s production of goods and services index and budget deficit.

The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) is going to provide UAH 1 bln in refinancing funds to Raiffeisen Bank Aval [BAVL UZ, U/R] for the purpose of providing loans to Ukrainian agricultural enterprises.

According to newly-issued data, the Kremenchug-based AvtoKrAZ holding company [KRAZ UZ, N/R] – the only Ukrainian manufacturer of heavy trucks – recorded a net profit of UAH 66.117 mln (USD 12.47mln) in 2008, which is 10.6% lower than the year before (UAH 73.98 mln).

According to officials from Motor Sich [MSICH UZ, BUY], the company ended 2008 with net sales of UAH 2.47 bln (USD 466 mln), which is up by 17%; however, net income dropped by 56 times to UAH 3.8 mln (USD 0.72 mln) in comparison with 2007.

On March 19, the Ukrainian Parliament rejected the draft law “About changes to additions to several Ukrainian laws regarding providing access to universal telecommunication services”.

According to investor relations, the March 20 AGM of Khartsyzk Pipes & Tubes [HRTR UZ, N/R] decided to declare USD 158.1 mln in dividends for 2008.

According to investor relations, the March 20 AGM of Centralnyy GOK [CGOK UZ, N/R] decided to declare exactly USD 62.4 mln in dividends for 2008.

The Ukrainian Government has voided a bill that was earlier accepted by Parliament on the 13% tariff imposed on all non-critical imports.

Last Thursday, the Ukrainian Ministry of Economy started the procedure on processing applications from companies that import raw cane, which is taxed at 2% of its customs value.

According to unconfirmed reports from our sources, the March 20 AGM of Pivnichnyy GOK [SGOK UZ, N/R] decided to declare about USD 138 mln in dividends for 2008.