Daily monitor

Khartsyzk Pipes & Tubes [HRTR UZ, N/R] produced 39.2 thsd mt of pipes in September, bringing the 9M08 total to 235 thsd mt, down 46% YoY.

In August 2008, Ukraine’s imports of pharmaceutical increased by 34.% YoY. In value terms, it increased by USD 50.618 mln to reach USD 197.364 mln.

On September 23, 2008 at their AGM, Slavutych [SLAV UZ, BUY] shareholders approved the results of an additional share issue.

Zaporizhstal [ZPST UZ, Strong BUY] decreased crude steel output to 250-270 thsd mt in September, according to Metal Courier; this is about 35-40% below the average 8M08 level of 417 thsd mt per month.

Information released by the State Statistics Committee of Ukraine (Goskomstat) reveals that the cement production of slate has increased 6.3% to reach 63.8 mln tiles in August 2008, compared with output for August 2007.

AZOVMASH intends to deliver a converter with a capacity of 140 metric tons to the metallurgical company "Dunafer" by 2010.

The Kernel Group [KER PW, U/R], one of the country’s leading bulk oil and grain trading companies with vertically-integrated assets, has announced its plans to finish building its fourth oil processing plant.

A new fixed broadband internet service has begun operation in Ukraine. As reported by TeleGeography, this new service was launched under the brand name ‘Beeline’ and constitutes a joint venture between Golden Telecom and Ukrainian Radio Systems (Beeline), both of which are sister companies of the Russian telecommunications operator Vimpelcom.

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Council has announced its final decision to hold the Euro-2012 Soccer Cup in Ukraine and Poland.

The OJSC Mostobud [MTBD UZ, BUY] has signed a contract with the German company Bridon International, whereby Bridon will provide Mostobud with steel ropes to be used for its bridge construction project in Zaporizhya.