Daily monitor

According to the State Statistics Committee of Ukraine, foreign direct investments into the country’s agriculture, hunting and forestry expanded by 60.95% YTD to USD 897 mln in 10M08.

The shareholders of the Kernel Group [KER PW, N/R] decided to not to pay out dividends for the 2007/08 financial year. This decision was taken at their AGM, which was held on November 17, 2008. The company’s losses for the last periods in amount of USD 5.1 mln, will be transferred to the forthcoming year.

Ukraine has exported about 10 mln mt of grain since July 2008. Moreover, Ukraine exported 2 mln mt of rapeseed over the same period. This data was released by Ukrainian News.

According to an official filing by Khartsyzk Pipes & Tubes [HRTR UZ, N/R], as of November 18, Metinvest B.V. of the Netherlands owns 76.78% of shares outstanding in the company, having just increased its stake by 10.49%. On the other hand, MetalUkr Holding Limited has just decreased its stake by 10.49% and now owns 16.22%.

On October 23, shareholders of the Eurocement Group Ukraine (Kyiv) will gather for an Extraordinary General Meeting, at which participants will consider the sale of more than 50% of the company’s property.

The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) officially stated its support for prolonging the loans terms for agrarians until June 1, 2009. According to the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Yuliya Tymoshenko, the NBU confirmed its support at their last meeting on Tuesday.

According to a press release made by the State Statistics Committee of Ukraine, milk production in October has decreased 11.2% to 962.7 thsd mt. Moreover, in the last ten months, milk output has declined 3.9% YoY to 10.3 mln mt.

In October, the Zaporizhya car assembly plant (ZAZ) – the largest producer of cars in Ukraine – reduced output by 20% (or 4,560 cars) to 18,180 cars, compared to September’s output. This data was released in a statement issued by the company’s press service.

The AvtoKrAZ Holding Company [KRAZ UZ, N/R], a manufacturer of large-tonnage trucks based in Kremenchug (Poltava Region), is considering the options for creating a certificated national car-testing center.

In October 2008, revenues from the provision of telecommunications services in Ukraine decreased by 2.5% compared to September, falling from UAH 4,007.918 mln to UAH 3,909.746 mln. This information was released by the State Statistics Committee of Ukraine.