Rustam Minnikhanov: "Tatarstan became the main platform for cooperation between Russia and Islamic world during Kazansummit"

On October 3 Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, Tatarstan State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev, Vice-Speaker of the Federation Council Ilyas Umakhanov, OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu took part in Strategic forum within the framework of V international economic forum of Russia and OIC countries Kazansummit’13 in Kazan.

Rustam Minnikhanov and Mintimer Shaimiev looked around the exposition of Tatarstan investment and economic projects before the forum.

Welcoming participants of the forum, Tatarstan President noted significance of Kazansummit. “Our republic became the main economic platform of Russia’s cooperation with Islamic world these days. About 600 participants from 40 countries and 16 Russian regions are taking part in Kazansummit,” Rustam Minnikhanov said.

“Islamic world possesses the largest natural, labour and spiritual resources. The development of Russia’s cooperation with Islamic world is one of the important elements of our country’s economic policy,” Tatarstan President pointed out.

Rustam Minnikhanov noted that traditionally Tatarstan is one of the leaders of Russian economy. The regular growth of key production branches fosters sustainable development of the republic. Tatarstan is implementing a number of projects with OIC countries and maintain contacts with OIC central office.

According to Tatarstan President, Smart City Kazan project has huge potential for development of economic relations between Tatarstan and OIC countries. “A solemn foundation stone laying ceremony of “Smart City Kazan” was held yesterday and I hope that we will manage to complete the project in time,” Rustam Minnikhanov said.

He mentioned that the trade turnover between Tatarstan and OIC countries in 2012 made 2.3 bln USD, which is more than 9% of the whole foreign trade turnover of Tatarstan. Turkey is the leader in the volume of trade turnover and investments. “We have huge potential for cooperation and we would like to establish systemic relations with other partners as well,” Rustam Minnikhanov said.

In his speech Tatarstan President told about conditions provided in the region for investors and the largest investment projects, which are currently under implementation, as well as future projects. He wished all participants of the forum successful work and new business contacts.

OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu told about prospects of economic development of OIC countries and Islamic financial instruments. Vice-Speaker of the Federation Council Ilyas Umakhanov pointed out the importance of Kazansummit forum for Russia and country’s relations with OIC countries. Tatarstan State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev expressed his gratitude to Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu for his efforts to unite the Islamic world. “We are glad that Tatarstan is the bridge between Russian and Muslim countries,” Mintimer Shaimiev said.

A number of agreements were signed at the end of the meeting. Agreements on development of “Smart City Kazan” were signed in the presence of Tatarstan President and other honoured guests. Thus, Tatarstan Investment Development Agency and Tatarstan Gulf Investment Company signed an agreement on construction of commercial real estate in “Smart City” for an amount of 760 mln USD. TIDA and Radiance Hospitality Group agreed on construction of real estate for an amount of 180 mln USD, and TIDA and TGT Oil&Gas Services signed an agreement on investment into “Smart City Kazan” for an amount of 11 mln USD. A number of agreements on development of design documentation for construction of “Smart City Kazan” infrastructure were also signed.