KIEV, Aug. 1 - Banking gold sales in Ukraine in 2009 are expected to grow by 25-30%, to 52-56 tons, according to the deputy board chairman of Kiev-based Ukrgasbank, Serhiy Mamedov.

"Overall gold sales in Ukraine in 2008 will be around 40 tons. Almost 70% of it will be in banking bars and other gold – in cashless form. Next year we expect a 25-30% rise in the market, mainly through a jump in sales of cashless gold in the form of banking products for legal entities and individuals," he said.