Rustam Minnikhanov: Potential of small and medium-size business in Tatarstan is huge

The share of small and medium-size business in the Kazan economy should increase from 36 % to 50 %, President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov stated at a session of Kazan city Duma. Outcomes of social and economic development of the city in 2011 were discussed at the session.

By words of Kazan Mayor Ilsur Metshin the city’s economy has been positively developing during the year 2011. A positive momentum of industrial production was maintained, the city held its positions at the financial market. Main social obligations in the sphere of health care, education, culture and sport were fulfilled.

The increase of gross territorial product in comparable prices accounted for 4,2 % - up to 380 bln roubles. Volume of domestic shipped goods made 209,3 bln roubles. Industrial production index made 103, 8%.

Average salary in 2011 made 22, 3 thousand roubles (12 % more than in 2010).

About 26 thousand economically active subjects of small and medium-size and 37 thousand individual entrepreneurs were registered in Kazan. Annual sales of small enterprises made 350 bln roubles, volume of shipped goods, fulfilled works and services - 140 bln roubles. According to Ilsur Metshin the share of small and medium-size business in the city’s gross product has exceeded 36% for the first time.

942,7 thousand m² of housing was constructed in Kazan in 2011, including 251,8 thousand m² - by the program of social mortgage.

During the session deputies of Kazan city Duma asked the President about major repair of schools. President of Tatarstan reminded that 44 schools are meant to be repaired in 2011.

The President commented on the issue of construction in the center of Kazan. He believes infill construction in the center must be completely forbidden.

Rustam Minnikhanov informed that construction of Universiade sport objects would be finished on time. By his words, construction of objects of transport infrastructure is a more serious issue. Rustam Minnikhanov reminded that construction of underground will cost 24 bln roubles, construction of interchanges – 39 bln roubles.

RT President focused on last year’s major program on construction of kindergartens and new program of major repair of schools.

President of Tatarstan believes small and medium-size business is the most promising sector favoring development of the Kazan economy. The main problems of the city are traffic jams, especially in the center, and maintenance of historical center.

RT President informed that republican leadership had made a decision about restoration of Tolstoy, Boratynsky and Lenin museums.

Head of republic thanked deputies of Kazan city Duma for efficient work and wished to carry on a dialogue with citizens.