KIEV, Aug. 16 – The international currency reserves of the National Bank of Ukraine in 2007 are to grow by at least 27%, to $28.4 billion, the Economy Ministry has forecast.

"In 2007, an increase in the international currency reserves of at least $6.1 billion is expected, to $28.4 billion. This size is enough to cover the forecasted imports for 4.3 months," reads a posting on the official Web site of the ministry.

As reported, in January through July, the gross international reserves of the NBU grew by 22.6% or by $5.033 billion from $22.256 billion.