Rustam Minnikhanov: new economic sectors should be developed in Baltasi region

Baltasi region has always been one of the leading regions of the Republic of Tatarstan, especially in agricultural sector. However, local authorities should search for new areas of economic development in order to maintain growth rates. Such an opinion was expressed by the Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov during the session of the Council of Baltasi municipal region.

Head of Baltasi municipal region Marat Zaripov made report on results of the region’s activity in 2011 and tasks for 2012. RT President Rustam Minnikhanov in turn told about development of Tatarstan in general and set objectives for Baltasi region.

Rustam Minnikhanov considers natural population increase which happened for the first time within 20 years to be the main achievement of the year 2011. RT President believes it is important to keep such a positive tendency in future.

Rustam Minnikhanov stressed that developed economy is the basis of social wellbeing of republic. According to results of 2011 gross regional product has made 1,25 trillion roubles, the industrial output – 1,3 trillion roubles. Fixed investments have made 365 bln roubles, agricultural output – 165 bln roubles. Rustam Minnikhanov reminded it is planned to increase gross regional product to 2 trillion roubles by 2016.

By words of Rustam Minnikhanov oil production has always been the main industry of Tatarstan economy. Thus, a big project “TANECO” aimed at development of oil chemistry and oil processing is being realized in republic. 7 mln tons of oil are processed at a new oil processing plant annually.

Automobile industry is a perspective sphere as well. “KAMAZ” is establishing joint enterprises with leading world companies becoming internationally recognized enterprise. SP “Ford-Sollers” is another major project. Moreover, special economic zone “Alabuga” and technoparks form another important component of Tatarstan economy.

Speaking about development of Baltasi region Rustam Minnikhanov noted that the region had always been characterized by serious achievements both in social development and agriculture. “However, you should realize that the dynamics in agricultural sector is becoming worse. Therefore, you should activate other economic sectors”, Rustam Minnikhanov addressed the deputies of the region’s council.