Rustam Minnikhanov takes part in opening of international conference Innovativecity 2014 in Nice

On June 25, at the opening of international conference Innovativecity 2014 in Nice, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov said that environmental conservation, historical sights and cultural heritage, and the use of high technologies are very important and interesting for Tatarstan as one of economically developed regions in Russia.

Rustam Minnikhanov thanked Nice leaders for the invitation to take part in the event and said that knowledge gained and contacts established during the conference would help developing innovative projects implemented in Tatarstan.

Tatarstan President continued that cooperation between countries help developing interregional interaction that is very important nowadays.

Tatarstan holds the 5th place among Russian regions by economic criteria, many federal programmes are realized in the republic, he added. “The World Summer Universiade in Kazan aroused interest of the global community. The created infrastructure enabled us getting to a new high quality level. We will host matches of the World Football Cup 2018. We are also planning to take part in construction of high-speed railway “Moscow-Kazan” and other projects. All these things are good drivers for the region’s economic growth,” Rustam Minnikhanov said.

Tatarstan President also noted that priority areas in Tatarstan are environmental conservation, ecology, preservation of historical and cultural heritage, creation of modern ecosystems.

Rustam Minnikhanov reminded participants of the event that the ancient town of Bolgar was included in UNESCO World Heritage List, and the island town of Sviyazhsk was reconstructed.

“Tatarstan is striving for being the leader of country’s innovative development. Modern infrastructure for doing business, including industrial sites, business incubators, and technology parks, was created in the republic. Much emphasis is put on two major projects, - Innopolis and Smart City Kazan,” the President stressed. He noted that French companies were interested in these projects.

Summing up, Rustam Minnikhanov said that today Nice is a modern city that meets needs of its dwellers and guests. He wished participants of the forum efficient work.