Rustam Minnikhanov: we should increase competitiveness of Tatarstan produce

Increase of energy resource efficiency and labour productivity, and consequently increase of competitiveness are priority tasks faced by the Tatarstan enterprises, RT President Rustam Minnikhanov stated today at a joint session of RT Ministry of economy , RT Ministry of energy and RT Ministry of industry and trade "On results of work in 2011 and tasks for 2012".

In the event took part the State Counsellor of the Republic of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev, Deputy minister of regional development of Russia Yury Osintsev, heads of the largest republican enterprises.

RT Minister of economy Midkhat Shagiakhmetov informed that in accordance with preliminary estimates gross regional product of Tatarstan made 1,25 trillion roubles in 2011.

By results of 2011 industrial production index has made 105,7 % to the level of 2010, the shipping volume has reached 1,295 trillion roubles.

Agricultural output of all agricultural producers in Tatarstan accounted for 165,6 bln roubles. Fixed investments in economic and social spheres made up 386,1 bln roubles.

According to Midkhat Shagiakhmetov, average salary in the industrial sector reached 21 000 roubles. By his words, the budget sphere does not enjoy the same rates yet, though a considerable growth was observed in several sectors.

The minister of economy defined certain areas of Tatarstan development. In particular, the share of investments made into gross regional product is more than 30 %. However, the rate of savings should be increased.

The share of small and medium-size business in RT economy makes 25 %. By 2016 it is expected to make 35 %, Midkhat Shagiakhmetov noted.

The Head of RT Ministry of economy stated that the share of Tatarstan enterprises involved in technological innovations is currently no more than 15 %, by labour productivity republic also lags behind the leading countries.

Midkhat Shagiakhmetov supposes one of the main dangers faced by Tatarstan economy is a possible recession in Eurozone countries which are main consumers of RT expert products. New challenges are also connected with Russia’s joining WTO. 90% of Tatarstan import and export goods go to countries-members of WTO. Thus, the increase of competitiveness of the region’s economy must become a priority task.

Moreover, the minister told about the project of creating Kama economic cluster meant to participate in the federal program of complex territorial development.

RT Minister of industry and trade Ravil Zaripov noted that a positive dynamics of Tatarstan interregional cooperation is observed. By results of 2011 interregional goods turnover has increased by 10% and made 360 bln roubles. The foreign trade turnover of the republic made up 26 bln US dollars (37% more than the last year’s rate).

RT Minister of energy Ilshat Fardiev informed that the situation with oil production remains now stable in RT. In 2011 volume of oil production was 32,5 mln tons. By words of Ilshat Fardiev realization of the project of a new combined-cycle plant with a capacity of 220 Mwatt at the Kazan Heat Power Station-2 is an important event in the Tatarstan energy industry.

According to the minister of energy realization of projects “TANECO” and “TAIF-NK” should continue in 2012.

Director general of JSC KAMAZ Sergey Kogogin told about problems faced by the enterprise and the whole Kama industrial zone, first of all, lack of skilled personnel and infrastructure.

The Director of the Department for strategic management and budgeting of RF Ministry of regional development Artem Shadrin informed that pilot projects on complex territorial development would be approved by the end of April.

In conclusion President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov set up main tasks faced by the republic.