Vladimir Putin: “Despite the economic difficulties, we will continue to support KAMAZ, this company of such importance for us”

On February 12, while on a visit to Tatarstan, Russia President Vladimir Putin visited a solemn ceremony marking the 40th anniversary since the production of the first KAMAZ truck. He was accompanied by Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov.

Putin began his speech with saying words of gratitude to the KAMAZ veteran workers. “This is an important date and an excellent occasion that you are marking today: forty years since the first KAMAZ vehicle was produced. Much time has passed since then, and much has been accomplished, but we will certainly remember those who took the first steps in building this wonderful plant,” he said.

According to him, hundreds of thousands of people worked on this construction project. “Back then, it was proclaimed a nationwide communist youth construction project, and this turned out to be a good step that brought many young people here to build not only this plant, but also this city, that is actively developing nowadays,” Putin continued.  

“The city offers good conditions for life, a marvellous environment and good atmosphere for families to thrive and raise children. The plant is the city’s heart. Much has happened over these years. KAMAZ has become one of the top companies in this sector in the world. It is in 11th place, which is an excellent result. In Russia, KAMAZ trucks account for more than 50 per cent of all truck transport on our market. This is a very good result too, the best in our country,” Putin pointed out.

“What is especially important is that KAMAZ does not rest on its laurels, but continues to grow, improving both the quantity and quality of its products. It makes use of new technology and develops cooperation ties. KAMAZ is very ambitious and aggressive in the positive sense,” he went on to say.

Putin also noted achievements of the KAMAZ –Master Team that takes part in the most prestigious international rallies and wins them too.

According to the President this testifies to the quality of the vehicles and the skill of those who make them, and, of course, to the skill of sportspeople due to which the KAMAZ has become well known around the world.

“We have always supported your company and despite the economic difficulties, we will continue to support KAMAZ, this company of such importance for us. We will do everything we can to provide jobs here and make sure our country can transport goods and freight using these excellent vehicles that you produce,” Putin concluded.