Kazakhstan's central bank said on Feb. 7, 2001 the central asian state would finalise the creation of a stable and transparent banking system this year which would boost confidence among private depositors and foreign investors. Deputy National Bank Chairman Yerlen Zhangeldin told a news conference that Kazakh banks were consolidating with a view to increasing their stability. He said the number of banks had shrunk to 48 by January 1, 2001 from 55 in 2000 and 271 in 1993.

"I believe that in the