Prospects of Tatarstan development discussed at Gaidar forum

On January 16 within the framework of Gaidar forum in Moscow participants of penal discussion “Tatarstan: shaping the future” spoke about problems and challenges faced by Tatarstan as one of the most economically developed Russian regions.

Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, heads of Tatarstan major enterprises, leading Russian and foreign experts – Head of representative office of International Monetary Fund in Russia Bikas Joshi, managing partner of Ernst&Young Aleksandr Ivlev, professor of Harvard University Timothy Colton, Vice-president of AbbVie EEME&A Operations Alberto Colzi, Deputy Director of Leontief centre Boris Zhikharevich, ex-president of Troika dialog investment company Ruben Vardanyan took part in the event.

Rector of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration Vladimir Mau was moderator of the discussion.

Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov told about economic development of the republic and its prospects. Currently Tatarstan takes the 5th place among Russian regions by GRP volume and industrial production, 4th place by amount of investments. However, development indicators were lower than expected. The GRP growth made 2 per cent, industrial production index – 101.2 per cent.

Rustam Minnikhanov noted with the slowdown in global economic growth, the competition for investments and sales markets is becoming stronger, and Tatarstan development strategy till 2030 is being developed. Much emphasis will be put on manufacturing. Rustam Minnikhanov told about major projects aimed at launching of new plants, development of agricultural and IT sectors.

“All these objectives cannot be realised without competent and skilled specialists, who need high-quality education, comfortable accommodation and health services. We are working in all these spheres,” Rustam Minnikhanov said.

“We have to provide global level of development in all spheres. Our development strategy is aimed at realizing this task,” Rustam Minnikhanov summarised.

Deputy Director of Leontief centre Boris Zhikharevich told about work on Tatarstan development strategy till 2030.

Among main goals to be achieved in Tatarstan in order to keep and consolidate positions in Russia and in global economy Boris Zhikharevich pointed out low barriers for career development, business, investments, and creation of the future management system.

Employees of Leontief centre have already worked out development zones of the republic, - Kazan, Kama cluster, and Southeastern region.

Managing partner of Ernst&Young Aleksandr Ivlev, in his turn, said that Tatarstan is developing by using world best practices.

Vice-president of AbbVie EEME&A Operations Alberto Colzi recommended to determine republic’s specific fields to be presented on the global arena.

Professor of Harvard University Timothy Colton said that Tatarstan is known in Russia and abroad as the region where representatives of different religions peacefully live together, and it can be the main idea of its brand.