KazanSummit 2013 strategy: economic ties between Russia and OIC countries

Strategic Forum was held at the International Economic Summit of Russia and OIC countries (KazanSummit 2013).  Traditionally it began with the reading of the Holy Koran, which performed the Mufti of the Republic of Tatarstan Kamil hazrat Samigullin.

The International Economic Summit, held in the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan on October 2-3, ended with the practical steps in strengthening the bilateral economic relations between Russia and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries. The forum was attended by representatives of international organizations, domestic and foreign financial institutions, foreign diplomatic missions, investors and businessmen from 43 countries, 150 media representatives.

With welcoming speech performed Tatarstan Investment Development Agency Chief Executive, Chairman of the KazanSummit Organizing Committee Linar Yakupov. He noted the increased role of the summit in the area of strengthening the cooperation between Russia and OIC countries. It was also announced that as a result of the forum will be signed a number of agreements. After the speech of Linar Yakupov were shown a video of the first day of KazanSummit.

Speakers at the strategic forum were the Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, Secretary General of the OIC Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Ilyas Umakhanov, Deputy Minister of Economy of the United Arab Emirates Abdullah Al Saleh, Deputy Minister of Economy and Trade of the State of Qatar, Sultan Al-Khater and Ambassador Konstantin Shuvalov. The presidium also attended the first president of the Republic of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev.

The President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov noted the investment potential of the republic, the development of the Islamic world, the existing experience of Tatarstan in the field of Islamic finance.

The Secretary General of the OIC countries Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, in his speech underscored the strengthening of cooperation and increasing trade between Russia and OIC countries.

The first president of the Republic of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev said about the importance of KazanSummit. "In a short period of time the Islamic world opened for multilateral cooperation and KazanSummit made a great contribution to the development of this cooperation", - noted Mintimer Shaimiev.
He also thanked Mr. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu for the work done.

Deputy Minister of Economy and Trade of the State of Qatar, Sultan Al-Khater, speaking at the Strategic Forum, said: "The volume of imports and exports of Russia and the OIC is an important element in the development of economic cooperation. The groundbreaking ceremony of "Kazan Smart City" is the model for the future of our countries."

The forum ended with the ceremony of signing of several agreements. Tatarstan Investment Development Agency has signed three agreements concerning Kazan Smart City project - with Singapore Radiance Hospitality Group, Tatarstan Gulf Investment Company (TGIC) and the TGT Oil and Gas Services. Agreement was also signed between TIDA and the insurance company "Alliance Life" on cooperation in the development of the insurance product "Takaful" on the territory of the Republic of Tatarstan.

The operator of the Kazan Smart City project - JSC "Corporation of the Republic of Tatarstan" has signed a memorandum of cooperation with Schneider Electric on the development of the concept of ICT Master Plan.

 Tatarstan Investment Development Agency Press Service