R.Minnikhanov: “Arranging systemic work with Leningrad region is important for us”

The Republic of Tatarstan and Leningrad region can and should cooperate in many economic sectors – engineering, agriculture, transport sphere. President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov has expressed such idea at the meeting with governor of Leningrad region Valery Serdyukov which was held in St.Petersburg in Government building of Leningrad region.

Opening the event governor of Leningrad region Valery Serdyukov greeted Tatarstan delegation. He noted that long-term friendly and business relations have been established between regions. Delegation of Leningrad region has recently stayed in republic with working visit. “We have examined new area to work on, in particular creation of technoparks and industrial zones”, - V. Serdyukov said. Moreover, according to Valery Serdyukov Tatarstan experience in developing small and medium business is also interesting for Leningrad region.

The governor told about economic development of Leningrad region. Its economy is characteristic of 85 % of agricultural and industrial products being manufactured at new modernized enterprises. Last year direct investments in the region made 269 bln. roubles, of which investments in budget sphere made 20 %. The largest foreign companies are functioning in Leningrad region - Ford, Caterpillar, Philip Morris, Kraft Foods, Nokian Tyres.

Rustam Minnikhanov noted experience of Leningrad region in development of logistic centres and attraction of foreign investors. He told as well about economic potential of republic.
RT President reminded that due to foundation of joint enterprise Ford-Sollers interaction between Tatarstan and Leningrad region will be closer.

Leningrad region is a large transport junction, thus cooperation of regions in the sphere of logistics is rather perspective.

President of Tatarstan noted that two regions should promote legislative initiatives on federal level to support investments. In addition, Tatarstan and Leningrad region being two strong agricultural regions should cooperate in the sphere of agro-industrial complex jointly developing scientific studies in agricultural sector.

Rustam Minnikhanov shared experience in organizing technoparks. RT President believes that upon creating such sites for small and medium business activity profile of each organization should be defined.
Rustam Minnikhanov also told about realization of program on constructing kindergartens “Belekech” and experience in organizing children nourishment.

RT President thanked authorities of the region for attention paid to Tatars living in the region.
Rustam Minnikhanov granted a medal of the Republic of Tatarstan “For valorous work” to Vice-governor of Leningrad region – plenipotentiary of Governor of Leningrad region in Legislative Assembly Aleksandr Kuznetsov.

On September, 20 Tatarstan delegation is going to visit commercial port “Ust-Luga” and milk factory OOO “Galaktika”.