Rustam Minnikhanov: “We must set tasks for developing Naberezhnye Chelny for 2-3 years”

On February 17 during his working visit to Naberezhnye Chelny Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov looked around a number of sites and held a meeting on developing infrastructure and social sphere in the city.

In particular, Rustam Minnikhanov visited a new enterprise Kama Crystal Technology, which started its activity in 2013 and is engaged in production of synthetic sapphire. At present, this material is becoming more and more popular. It is used as a backing for new generation of LEDs and super-tough glass. For instance, iPhone 5S features a sapphire glass-covered fingerprint sensor and its camera is fitted with sapphire lenses.

Rustam Minnikanov saw a complete production cycle, from preparation of raw materials to cutting of crystals, and was told about prospects of the enterprise development.

Tatatstan President also looked around Essen’s logistics center. According to Director General of ZAO “Essen Production AG” Leonid Baryshev, in 2013 the holding’s retail chain turnover in Volga Federal District made 18.7 billion roubles. Despite such volumes of sales the retail chain faces lack and sometimes even a total absence of Tatarstan vegetables. We have to buy cabbage, carrots, onions and potatoes outside Tatarstan and Russia, Leonid Baryshev pointed out.

Leonid Barushev said that Essen is ready to buy products from Tatarstan farmers in very large quantities. However, according to him, farmers are not always prepared to adjust their production facilities to meet the requirements of the trade chain.

Rustam Minnikhanov asked Ministry of Agriculture and Food to arrange a seminar for Tatarstan farmers at Essen’s logistics center and other events to present marketing and sales capabilities of the chain to farmers.

Upon making a detour around the largest streets of the city, Rustam Minnikhanov held a meeting on construction and repair of infrastructure and social facilities in Naberezhnye Chelnhy.

Rustam Minnikhanov noted that Naberezhnye Chelny is an important city for the region with 10% of gross regional product being produced there. According to Tatarstan President, the city has prospects for development and is the leader in natural population increase.

A lot of regional programmes are being implemented in Naberezhnye Chelny. However, there are some “bottle necks” that require special attention, Rustam Minnikhanov added.

“Today, we must set tasks for the next 2-3 years. We aimed our main efforts at Kazan over the last few years. The time has come to put emphasis on Naberezhnye Chelny,” he continued.

Speaking at the meeting, Naberezhnye Chelny Mayor Vasil Shaikhraziev reported about the most urgent problems of the infrastructure development in the city. At the end of the meeting, Rustam Minnikhanov gave a number of tasks to responsible ministries and departments.