Rustam Minnikhanov: “The dynamics of Tatarstan-Japan relations should be even more enhanced in future”

On March 19, at his interview to NHK (a Japanese TV and radio company) Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov noted that the spectrum of potential cooperation between Japan and Tatarstan is extremely wide and diverse.

Answering an NHK reporter’s questions, Rustam Minnikhanov confirmed that Tatarstan businessmen have sustainable mutual interest to cooperate with Japan. Tatarstan President stressed that the potential for cooperation is huge and noted the need to develop and promote existing relationships, expand the presence of Japanese companies to implement Tatarstan projects and establish joint enterprises.

Tatarstan is implementing a number of large joint projects together with Japan, Rustam Minnikhanov continued. In particular, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Sojitz Corporation are engaged in the Ammonium project, Tatarstan fuel and energy companies are successfully working with Mitsui. The work on the industrial automation of the largest regional enterprises is underway in cooperation with Yokogawa Electric Corporation. The implementation of such projects is a positive example to expand Russia-Japan relations in IT, agriculture and energy areas, Rustam Minnikhanov pointed out.

Rustam Minnikhanov believes that any international conflicts, misunderstandings and political disagreements could have a negative effect on economic development worldwide. According to Tatarstan President, imposing economic and other sanctions in response to any political steps could affect the stability of world economics.

“We are satisfied with the developing Tatarstan-Japan relations and existing joint projects. We hope that the dynamics of our relations will be even more enhanced in future,” Rustam Minnikhanov said in the interview.

The Japanese companies should actively enter the Russian market, without focusing on Moscow, Saint-Petersburg or the Far East only. The Russian regions, having all the necessary resources, infrastructure and human resources, should make the best use of any opportunities to make them known and present their prospects. According to Rustam Minnikhanov, the Russia-Japan Investment Forum is meant to solve this important task.

For information:

NHK is the only broadcasting corporation in Japan, founded in 1925. NHK is funded by viewers' payments, made by every family having a TV. Currently, NHK operates four television and three radio channels.

NHK also provides an international broadcasting service, known as NHK World, providing TV, radio and internet services worldwide.