Czechs set CZK 152.8 bln cap for '07 domestic bonds

PRAGUE, Dec 1 (Reuters) - The Czech Republic aims to borrow 72.8-152.8 billion crowns ($3.44-$7.21 billion) through medium- and long-term local currency government bond issues next year, the finance ministry said on Friday.

The plan, including redemptions of bonds falling due during 2007, compares with this year's expected gross issuance of 158.7 billion crowns.

In a statement, the ministry said domestic borrowing would rise to the 152.8 billion ceiling if it refrains from tapping foreign markets. The issuance plan left the room to raise zero to 80 billion crown equivalent worth of foreign debt next year.

The ministry added it would offer 39 billion crowns worth of paper through six auctions in the first three months of this year, reopening the outstanding 3-year, 5-year, 10-year and 15-year benchmark notes. ((Reporting by Marek Petrus; Editing by Chris Pizzey; Reuters Messaging: rm://marek.petrus.reuters.com@reuters.net; e-mail: prague.newsroom@reuters.com or marek.petrus@reuters.com; Tel: +420 224 190 477))

Keywords: CZECH BONDS/