President of Worldwide economic forum (WEF) Claus Schwab assessed innovative development of Tatarstan

Yesterday on September, 12 President and founder of Worldwide economic forum Claus Schwab met with managing and economic elite of Tatarstan. The discussion was held at “circle table” in Kazan town hall. RT Prime minister Rustam Minnikhanov took part in the meeting.

Claus Schwab and experts of Worldwide economic forum arrived in Kazan on September, 12 for 2 days. They were invited by the Head of Tatarstan Government Rustam Minnikhanov.

RT Prime Minister called this visit “historical event” for republic and introduced Mr. Schwab to the participants of the meeting as the architect of modern system of global partnership of business, political and intellectual leaders.

Minister of Economy of Tatarstan Marat Safiullin reported about economic situation and perspectives of development in Tatarstan. He announced that Tatarstan is ready to change into the center of international economy. Republic has all necessary things for this: efficient geographical position, social and economic infrastructure, serious economic and intellectual potential. Tatarstan pays special attention to automobile production, petrochemistry, agricultural and industrial complex.

Marat Safiullin underlined the work on creation of conditions for growth of small and medium enterprises and cluster approach to development of some economic spheres. According to his words for the last 5 years republic has demonstrated the growth of Gross Regional Product for 7,5 % and is among 5 more economic-developed Russian regions.

In 2007 investments in republic were $ 1,7 billion, mainly in processing industry. Cumulative investments and attracted credits in 2007 were $ 13,5 billion.

Marat Safiullin noted that republic heads for development of innovative policy, $ 400 million will be invested in innovative sphere till 2010 (mainly for creation of technoparks, technotowns).

Kazan Mayor Ilsur Metshin presented the capital. He said that in spite of its age and great history Kazan is still a young city. 150 000 students study in 35 institutes of higher education.

Claus Schwab was impressed by economic progress of Tatarstan. He considers that republic has not just economic and industrial progress but perspectives of development as far as much attention is paid to innovations and youth education. Republic demonstrates how people from different religious and ethnic groups work and live together creating economic potential. He specially pointed out the merits of republic management regarding Universiade-2013.

Claus Schwab highly assessed the invitation of Rustam Minnikhanov to Kazan. He reminded that last year Head of Tatarstan Government visited Davos Forum. This fact determined the attention of Worldwide economic forum towards region.

Today Claus Schwab plans to visit Lenin Kazan State University where he will deliver the lecture entitled “Challenge of future: responsibility of world society”.