Rustam Minnikhanov: Tatarstan and Poland have enormous potential for developing cooperation

“Trade-economic, humanitarian and cultural relations of Tatarstan and Poland have enormous potential for development”, - President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov said at a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Polish Republic to the Russian Federation Voizeh Zaionchovsky. The meting was held in House of RT government with participation of a member of Federation Council Eksam Gubaidullin, Vice-premier – Minister of agriculture and foodstuff Marat Akhmetov, Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin and other officials. Poland was represented by representatives of business community.

Rustam Minnikhanov noted that Poland is a major foreign trade and economic partner of Tatarstan. By results of 2010 foreign trade turnover between Poland and RT has made 3 bln. roubles. Still export of Tatarstan oil and petrochemical products make the main part of trade turnover. Only 30 mln. dollars make the import of Polish goods.

Rustam Minnikhanov reminded that a few years ago Polish companies planed to realize a number of large projects in Tatarstan but financial crisis interfered. Now it’s time to thinks about attraction of Polish investments in RT. President of Tatarstan is sure that industrial parks and SEZ “Alabuga” will attract attention of Polish entrepreneurs. Also cooperation may be developed in the sphere of humanities and science.

Moreover, Tatarstan and Poland may see mutual interest in the light of major forthcoming sport events. In 2012 Poland will host World football championship, Universiade 2013 and matches of football championship 2018 will be held in Kazan.

Ambassador of Poland thanked RT President for the meeting and noted that Polish – Russian relations had improved for the last two years. Economic cooperation is developing very quickly.

Polish businessmen briefly presented several perspective projects in the sphere of agriculture, ecology and construction design to Rustam Minnikhanov. Head of Tatarstan showed interest towards these projects and asked ministers to consider them in details.

Voizeh Zaionchovsky suggested to Rustam Minnikhanov opening a memorial plaque at Kazan state university dedicated to Polish scientists who used to work there. Rustam Minnikhanov supported the proposal saying that it would be a response to opening the memorial in Gdansk.

Finally Rustam Minnikhanov emphasized necessity of developing cooperation between Poland and Tatarstan.