Companies – members of Russian-German Chamber of Commerce are interested in cooperation with the Republic of Tatarstan

President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov has met with members of the Russian-German Chamber of Commerce headed by Chairman of the Board Michael Harms. The meeting took place at the RT Government House with participation of Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of agriculture and foodstuff Marat Akhmetov, Minister of health care Airat Farrakhov, Director general of OAO “Holding company “Ak bars” Ivan Egorov, Chairman of “Ak bars” Bank Board Robert Musin.

Rustam Minnikhanov said that such a representative delegation comprised of members of Russian-German Chamber of Commerce visits Kazan for the first time. He also noted that Germany is an important trade and economic partner of Russia and Tatarstan. According to results of 2011 foreign trade turnover of Germany and the Republic of Tatarstan made 2,4 bln euro. Amount of investments made by Germany in Tatarstan made 84 mln US dollars last year.

“Cooperation with German enterprises is interesting and profitable for Tatarstan,” Rustam Minnikhanov said noting such spheres as engineering technologies, adoption of innovations in industry, development of auto production, IT, biotechnologies, energy resource saving, education and health care.
46 enterprises with participation of German capital are working in Tatarstan today and their development demonstrates good example for potential investors, RT President said.

Rustam Minnikhanov marked the importance of direct flight connection between Kazan and German cities. It helps businessmen travel easily and foster business contacts, Head of republic said.

The RT President reminded that the Year of Germany in Russia will be held in 2012-2013 (June, 2012 – June, 2013). Tatarstan also sent its suggestions within the limits of events to the German Embassy in Russia.

“I am sure that this visit will consolidate our relationships. Moreover, we have to use the opportunity of holding the Year of Germany in Russia to establish contacts in business, cultural and educational spheres.

Chairman of the Board of the Russian-German Chamber of Commerce Michael Harms thanked for warm reception and briefly told about activity of the chamber and companies – members of the chamber.

800 companies are members of the Russian-German Chamber of Commerce. Branches of the chamber are functioning in St.Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Kaliningrad. Regional plenipotentiaries are working in Volga and Southern federal districts.

According to Michael Harms, there are several tendencies in Russian-German relationships: German business is aggressively investing in the Russian economy; large and medium-size enterprises are developing with participation of the German capital; localization of production is observed.

Officials of the Russian-German Chamber of Commerce presented their companies to Rustam Minnikhanov. The following companies suggested cooperation: SAS (joint enterprise of the German company “Continental” and French company “Faurecia”), AJZ Engineering, Commerzbank AG, KWS.
SAS (production of automobile electronics) offers cooperation in automobile cluster, including organization of production for companies “Ford-Sollers” and “KAMAZ”. Rustam Minnikhanov suggested considering Kama industrial park Master for locating the plant.

Officials of AJZ Engineering (procurement, mounting of medical equipment) noted that they already have experience of cooperation with Tatarstan.
KWS – selection seed-growing company offers its services on establishing interaction with republican agro-holdings.

Summarizing the meeting, a working group comprised of specialists of Tatarstan and the Russian-German Chamber of Commerce will be created in order to discuss issues of cooperation in details.