Rustam Minnikhanov takes part in session of Russia-Singapore Inter-Governmental Commission

On September 10, in Singapore, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov took part in the fifth session of the Russia-Singapore Inter-Governmental Commission. The session was co-chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mr. Shuvalov and Deputy Prime Minister - Minister for Finance of the Republic of Singapore Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

Opening the session, Tharman Shanmugaratnam noted growing relations between Singapore and Russian regions, especially highlighting Tatarstan that he personally visited last year. “The local leaders' ambition to develop  and cooperate impressed me greatly,” Shanmugaratnam admitted.

He told about his visit to the Innopolis construction site in summer of 2013 and expressed his hope that Singaporean investors will take an active part in the implementation of this promising project.

Tharman Shanmugaratnam said that in addition to financial and investment sector, Russia and Singapore are developing their cooperation in the healthcare and social service fields.

Igor Shuvalov, in his turn, thanked the Singapore party for arranging the session of the Intergovernmental Commission. Shuvalov also noted the successful and long-term experience of cooperation between Tatarstan and Singapore, wishing other Russian regions to strive for the same results.

According to Shuvalov, at this precise moment, when European countries imposed their sanctions against Russia, it is time to intensify trade and economic relations with the countries of the Asia-Pacific Region.

After the session, a number of agreements were signed. In particular, an agreement on cooperation between the Innopolis University and National University of Singapore was signed in the presence of First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mr. Shuvalov and Deputy Prime Minister - Minister for Finance of the Republic of Singapore Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam.