Rustam Minnikhanov: we have to promote IT projects

Tatarstan leadership is ready to support promising IT projects of the Republic in order to introduce them to the Russian market, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov stated at a final session of RT Ministry of informatization and communications in Kazan IT-park.

According to Vice-premier – Minister of informatization and communications Nikolay Nikiforov, gross revenue of enterprises of the industry made 40 bln roubles in 2011 (12,6 % more than the year before). The share of the industry in gross regional product has made 3,31 %. Volume of capital investments made 7,86 bln roubles. Internet connectivity in Republic reached the number of 62 %. Total number of Internet users by all access technologies exceeded the number of 2 mln people in Tatarstan. Major efforts have been made on changing overhead communication lines for the underground cables.

Nikolay Nikiforov informed 2011 was a breakthrough year in terms of rendering state and municipal services in electronic format. Currently 86 services are rendered in electronic format in Republic. Every month Tatarstan citizens use e-services 1,2 mln times.

Head of the ministry focused on a set of problems facing further development of e-services. Thus, absence of necessary legislative acts on federal level impedes the issue of universal e-card. Moreover, payment fees are needed to maintain infrastructure of e-services.

Nikolay Nikiforov reminded in accordance with federal legislation from July, 1, 2012 state and municipal agencies have no right to ask citizens for documents available in other authorities. Thus, during the first quarter of 2012 it is necessary to establish inter-departmental interaction on the basis of IT.

As far as e-education is concerned electronic grade books are expected to be kept in e-format. Major federal funding for development of information infrastructure is being provided for health care sector.

Kazan IT-park is packed with residents for 100 %. Two of them have obtained the status of “Skolkovo” project members.

Construction of the second site of IT-park in Naberezhnye Chelny is under way.

Construction works at the “Innopolis” site are to be started in 2012.

Rustam Minnikhanov focused on the increase of efficiency of electronic documents circulation system. RT President addressed Ministry of informatization and communications with request to put much emphasis on preparation of IT infrastructure for the forthcoming major sport events.

Head of Republic expressed confidence in commercial prospects of Tatarstan IT industry. He also thanked leadership of the sector for efficient work in 2011 and said he wants 2012 to bring the same results.