UPDATE 1-Kazakhstan may see deflation in 2009-2010 - PM

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ASTANA Jan 14 (Reuters) - Consumer prices in Kazakhstan may fall in 2009 and 2010 after years of inflation, Prime Minister Karim Masimov said on Wednesday.

"In 2009, the issue is not inflation, but deflation," Masimov told a government meeting. "In 2009 and 2010 we will likely see prices fall, not grow."

Inflation in Kazakhstan slowed to 9.5 percent last year from 18.8 percent in 2007. Kazakhstan imports many consumer goods from Russia and the continuing devaluation of the Russian rouble is making them cheaper.

The government has said it would consider introducing new import duties to protect domestic producers. (Reporting by Raushan Nurshayeva; Writing by Olzhas Auyezov)