Investors about Tatarstan: «Region offers interesting and required directions of business development»

Attractiveness of the Republic of Tatarstan as a platform for the development of the service industry and tourism discussed yesterday in Moscow on an investment seminar, organized by Tatarstan Investment Development Agency.

The seminar was attended by representatives of Hilton Worldwide, InterContinental Hotels Group, «ICS Travel Group», Mamaison All-Suites Spa Hotel Pokrovka, Courtyard Marriott Kazan, PwC, the Association of Russian business tourism, EY, Russian Franchise Association, CNBC, Russian-Turkish business association, Mexico, France, Malaysia embassies in Russia and others.

Opening the event, Tatarstan Investment Development Agency (TIDA) Chief Executive Linar Yakupov underscored that holding investment seminars on priority areas of the region on a regular basis promotes the republic and builds the dialogue with investors.

Effectiveness of meetings in Moscow confirmed the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan, Plenipotentiary Representative of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Tatarstan Ravil Akhmetshin. He said that such TIDA’s seminars became a good tradition and attract the attention of investors who are interested in cooperation with the region.

In the presented detailed analysis of the tourism sector in Tatarstan, underscored that, according to the EY «Measurement of business conditions in the Russian regions» study, Republic differs from other Russian regions by a number of advantages. In particular, customs regulations, tax incentives, electrical connection, administrative barriers, corruption, security and transport were noted. The study also reflects the low cost of business starting, accessibility and availability of qualified personnel, comfortable business environment and living conditions.

According to Yandex company’s research, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan – Kazan – forms the most favorable traffic situation. By the World Bank's «Doing Business in Russia-2012» rating Kazan marked as a city that still has a leading position in terms of «business and property registration».

The further development of the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan is connected with the concept of «Great Kazan», which includes Kazan Smart City and Innopolis projects. Kazan Smart City is not only a new investment platform of the Republic of Tatarstan, but also an area where will develop service industry and tourism. Investment attractiveness of the project is based on the cluster development of the territory – there will be created high-tech manufacturing, medical, education and tourism cluster. In terms of tourism cluster, in particular, will develop excursion, business, medical, educational tourism, and a new direction for the republic – urban tourism.

In comparison with 2011 the tourist flow in the Republic of Tatarstan in 2012 increased by 16% and amounted to about 1.5 million people. Comparing with 2005, the increase is even more significant – 132% (!). 38% of the tourist flow is business travel, 41 % – entertainment, 9 % – is medical tourism.

The participants also noted well-known international hotels, located in Kazan (Marriott Courtyard, Park Inn, Amax, and Ibis), Kazan airport modernization and its development prospects.

About the experience of working in tourism industry said Courtyard Marriott Kazan CEO Alex Nurok. He noted that Tatarstan has a great potential for tourism development and in increasing the flow of tourists.

Other speakers noted that Tatarstan has a number of foreign companies, which shows investors' interest in cooperating with the republic and developing their business in the region.

The chairman of the Kazan Committee for External Relations and Tourism Ivan Kadoshnikov told about the showplaces of Kazan city. Singapore Radiance Hospitality Group CEO – Kazan Smart City investor – Lim Shue Tien underscored that the company's decision to work in Tatarstan was supported by the Government of Singapore.

With great interest discussed the creation at the Kazan Smart City site an International Exhibition and Convention Centre «Kazan Expo». According to some participants, its implementation is a great potential for development of the region.

«I have been to Kazan many years ago, and this year came to your city again, - noted the visitor from the Czech Republic. - And was pleasantly surprised. Kazan is a beautiful city and offers many opportunities. And then I said to myself: «I want to do business here».

Farco Group President Fahreddin Aliyev said about company’s interest in developing cooperation with the republic.

«I thank Mr. Linar Yakupov for organizing this interesting event and the support provided Tatarstan Investment Development Agency», - added Fahreddin Aliyev.

The seminar discussed not only the stated topic, but also an export, international trade and exhibition activity. It was presented by Tatarstan Export Corporation.

Tatarstan Investment Development Agency Press Service