RT President: Elabuga may become one of the centers of Tatarstan and Russia

Special economic zone, tourism, support of small and medium-size business, developed educational sphere are those advantages which guarantee wide prospects for Elabuga and Elabuga region. Such a statement was made by President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov at a session of the Council of Elabuga municipal region on February, 16.

Head of Elabuga region, Mayor of Elabuga Gennady Emelyanov made a report on outcomes of the region in 2011 and tasks for 2012. He informed that the industrial production index in 2011 totalled 111.2 percent. Products, goods and services worth over 30 billion roubles were shipped over the year. The share of SEZ residents in the total output is 37 percent.

President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov highly appreciated the work of management team of Elabuga municipal region.

“Openness of your team’s work must be the example for state and municipal employees of republic,” Rustam Minnikhanov believes.

Rustam Minnikhanov thanked the Head of the region Gennady Emelyanov for helping with realization of projects in Special economic zone “Alabuga”.

Head of Tatarstan believes SEZ “Alabuga” will be one of the largest industrial sites in Russia. “It will be a driving force for Elabuga and whole Kama zone. High-tech import-replacement production will soon appear here,” Rustam Minnikhanov said.

According to the Tatarstan President development of SEZ will lead to gowth of employment, help solving problems connected with the city infrastructure, require training of skilled personnel, and will finally result in urban growth.

However, there are many problems faced by Elabuga. On the one hand, old age of the city is a positive factor for tourism, on the other hand it brings a lot of infrastructure problems.

President of Tatarstan focused also on efficient dialogue of municipal authorities and small and medium-size business, and noted developed educational infrastructure.

“Special economic zone, tourism, support of small and medium-size business, education, federal highway, close location to big cities are main advantages of the city and the region. I suppose within five years Elabuga will become one of the largest centers of Tatarstan and Russia,” Rustam Minnikhanov stated.

Finally, Rustam Minnikhanov thanked leadership of the region for work, wished success in 2012 and granted several awards.