56 economic and social survey of asia the pacific 2003 north central subregional overview nine countries pulled through global downturn in 2001 with remarkably little damage 2002 they headed for fourth successive year gdp growth longest sustained expansion since beginning their gradual trans formation to a market based system 1992 kyrgyzstan was an exception ongoing reform policies structures implemented by these economies transition bolstered consumer investor confidence thus sustaining inward external resource transfers both private public steady domestic demand particular flows fdi into subregion were unaffected slowdown expanded 30 per cent record 5 87 billion kazakhstan became first country reach investment grade status rating achievement that owed much surge generally strong export performance necessary preparations includ ing reserve accumulation made many reduce vulnerability short term fluctuations prices meet relatively high foreign debt payments due
