Rustam Minnikhanov: “We are interested in foreign experience in creation of special economic zones”

During the visit to Suzhou industrial park in China President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov said: “Tatarstan leadership is willing to study foreign experience, including Chinese practice, in creation and development of special economic zones.”

Suzhou industrial park is a joint Chinese-Singapore project, one of the first special economic zones in China. Rustam Minnikhanov came to visit the place by invitation of Senior state Minister of Industry and Trade and Ministry of National Development of Singapore Lee Yi Shyan.

The working programmme of Tatarstan President in China started from the meeting with Lee Yi Shyan at Suzhou centre of culture and art.

Rustam Minnikhanov thanked the minister for invitation to visit Suzhou industrial park.

Members of Tatarstan delegation were told about history and development of the industrial park.

Establishment of new park started from scratch at the lake side on the territory of fishing villages. Currently the area of the park makes 288 km² and represents a city comprised of industrial zones, residential areas, commercial property, and social infrastructure. The population makes 260 thousand people. 5 thousand resident companies work at the industrial park.

From the very beginning Suzhou industrial park was the site where ways of Chinese economic development were tested. Since then the experience of Suzhou industrial park has been used throughout China. Employees of the managing company regularly undertake internship in Singapore.

Rustam Minnikhanov asked about amount of funds invested in the project. According to chief executives, 20 bln dollars of state funds and 25 bln dollars of foreign funds were invested in creation of the infrastructure.

More detailed information was presented to Tatarstan delegation at Head Office of Chinese-Singapore company engaged in development of Suzhou industrial park.

Before the presentation Rustam Minnikhanov briefly told about economic development of Tatarstan.