"Knight's investment move: Tyulyachi"

17 April 2026, Friday

6 billion rubles in investments from an investor over 11 years, hotel construction, and a new regional programme for the development of horse breeding and equestrian sports (2027–2031)

This week, on April 14, the 2nd Municipal Forum of Entrepreneurs “Investment Knight’s Move: Tyulyachi” was held in the Tyulyachinsky District of Tatarstan. The event brought together representatives of the business community and state authorities of the republic to discuss the district’s investment potential and the prospects for business development in the area.

The forum opened with a field programme: participants visited key industrial and agricultural enterprises in the district, including the Tyulyachi Industrial Park, the plastic products manufacturing company LLC “LMR‑Plast”, the greenhouses of LLC “Bogorodskie Rozy”, and a horse‑breeding farm specialising in the Tatar horse breed.

At the start of the plenary session, Taliya Minullina, Head of the Investment Development Agency of the Republic of Tatarstan, welcomed the forum participants and noted that they had gathered in the Tyulyachinsky Municipal District with an interesting task. She emphasised that life in small districts has its own characteristics, such as a hard‑working population and enthusiasts who keep many enterprises running. However, the proximity of large territories, such as Kazan (just an hour’s drive away), also creates certain challenges, including population outflow.

Taliya Minullina: “I think the development prospects for the Tyulyachinsky District over the next five to seven years represent a serious push, because today Kazan and the districts around Kazan are already living a rather vibrant entrepreneurial life, while here we still have great potential — land, various resources, and interesting opportunities in terms of construction: this includes housing and commercial buildings. There is also good potential in sports, tourism, agriculture, and environmental projects. I think this is what our discussion should focus on today — how to develop this interesting district as effectively as possible, and what it can offer to the entire republic, the Volga Federal District, and perhaps even our country.”

She noted that the sales geography even at the forum’s exhibition shows that products are in demand not only in Tatarstan and the Volga Federal District, but also in Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and other countries. In her opinion, this demonstrates the high quality of products and services that are sought after abroad.

Taliya Minullina: “I would like to express my gratitude for today’s event, first and foremost to Airat Gilvanovich Fatkhullin (Head of the Tyulyachinsky Municipal District), because it was his initiative to gather us all here, invite us, and organise such an event. I know that probably not everyone is capable of reaching agreements with regional and federal centres. But I think he has very well‑developed communication skills, and this should also give a certain impetus.”

On behalf of the district administration, the plenary session of the forum was opened by Airat Fatkhullin, who spoke about the investment potential of Tyulyachi.

“May your ‘knight’s move’ bring you checkmate in favour of profit”

Airat Fatkhullin: “The symbol of 2026 according to the Eastern calendar is the Red Fire Horse. The horse symbolises strength, perseverance, energy, and independence. The Tyulyachinsky District is famous for its horse farm… The slogan of our forum today is ‘Investment Knight’s Move: Tyulyachi’. Why ‘knight’s move’? In chess, this is the only move where a piece jumps over others, changing the colour of the square and the attack vector unexpectedly for the opponent. For business, this means:

• Courage (we act where others stay put);

• Strategy (we see the goal 2–3 moves ahead);

• Loyalty to local conditions (a knight does not move in a straight line — it goes around obstacles).

As in chess, sometimes the most unexpected but well‑thought‑out move opens new opportunities, changes the position, and leads to victory. Friends, this forum is not just a meeting. It is a place where we say ‘yes’ to development despite stereotypes. Remember: major investors have already taken notice of our territories. To not miss the opportunity, we need to be the first to jump. May your ‘knight’s move’ bring you checkmate in favour of profit. I wish us all fruitful work today.”

During his speech, the Head of the Tyulyachinsky District answered the question of why the district is an ideal investment site, spoke about ongoing investment projects, and named key investment areas — the so‑called “knight’s moves”.

For more details, see: https://tida.tatarstan.ru/doklad-glavi-rayona-9071129.htm

Next, the plenary session participants were welcomed by Eli Kagarbekov, Representative of the Head of the Chechen Republic in the Republic of Tatarstan:

“Friends, let me welcome you on behalf of the Head of the Chechen Republic, Hero of Russia Ramzan Akhmatovich Kadyrov. Dear friends, dear colleagues, thank you for inviting me to take part in this forum. I am personally familiar with the investment climate in the Republic of Tatarstan, as I have worked and run a business here for over ten years. I would like to note that all necessary conditions for doing business have been created in the region. Entrepreneurs feel confident and work in a comfortable and safe environment. I would also like to highlight that additional opportunities are opening up for representatives of the halal industry in the Republic of Tatarstan. The corresponding infrastructure has been formed, and all necessary resources are available.”

“Our top priority is to keep our teams”

The second speaker was Shamil Ageev, Chairman of the Union “Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Tatarstan”. He urged businesses not to ignore, but to take advantage of regional and federal support measures provided by the state. “In this regard, I will tell you that our agency shows such concern when promoting investment projects,” he said. Shamil Ageev also noted that the Government of the Republic of Tatarstan is preparing support measures to further soften the impact of changing environmental conditions on business processes, and this could be a topic for a separate discussion.

Shamil Ageev: “What should we focus on now? First, analyse your business and look at what reserves you have. What is most important for us right now? Our top priority is to keep our teams. Keep our staff, because we are in a period of a high key rate, which makes it difficult to get loans. Without loans, it is impossible to develop production. And in this regard, when every head tries to offer some benefits — here in rent, there in something else — it is important for you to keep your business. That is the first issue. Second, we need to look at new products and import substitution… And then we need to think about how to engage science and production in interaction.”

“Any idea still needs to mature”

Banks also shared their views on how businesses can access support measures and credit in the current conditions. Representatives of VTB Bank and Ak Bars Bank spoke at the session. Let us remind you that last year the Investment Development Agency of the Republic of Tatarstan held a roundtable with banks and businesses on the topic “Project Financing in the Republic of Tatarstan”.

Watch the livestream recording: https://vkvideo.ru/video-211407548_456239536?t=25m59s

Maryam N. Davletshina, Managing Director of the Operational Office of ROO “VTB Bank” in the Republic of Tatarstan, Vice President: “I believe that today our key rate is 15 % per annum. Yes, it is high, but it is already significantly better. Let us remember when the rate was over 20 %. Nevertheless, of course, borrowing at market rates today and organising some kind of investment production without state programmes… You know, it is very risky. Therefore, any idea still needs to mature. Any idea can be directed towards thinking about how to optimise costs and expenses. We still believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel. According to our forecasts, by the end of the year the key rate will drop to around 12–13 %. If the rate is at that level, you see, loans will be completely different. That is, when the key rate is 12 %, a loan will cost 15–16 % per annum. That is not like it is now. Therefore, you need to wait a little, work out your ideas thoroughly, think them through properly, and then come to the bank. As it is, we do lend — there are no restrictions. Of course, I have only shown the tip of the iceberg, because large companies and enterprises have various government regulations and various projects, but they are more large‑scale, related to the organisation of large industrial production. Nevertheless, we continue to lend to small businesses. If you need some small funds for your current operations, yes, you can come to the bank. But if it is about investment ideas, then you need to look for an option — either a state programme or to be a little more patient.”

In their speeches, the banks once again highlighted the state support measures available, particularly drawing the business participants’ attention to them.

Maryam Davletshina, Managing Director of the Operational Office of ROO “VTB Bank” in the Republic of Tatarstan, reported that in the current realities there are three key state lending programmes:

1. A programme for agricultural producers, regulated by Government Resolution No. 15‑28. Under this programme, loans can be obtained for investment purposes and other needs at 9.5 % per annum. The rate used to be slightly lower, but due to funding volume limits, the Russian Ministry of Agriculture reduced the subsidy level from 70 % to 50 %. Nevertheless, a 9.5 % interest rate is considered very good.

2. A programme to support small and medium‑sized businesses, regulated by Resolution No. 17‑64. Here, loans for investment purposes can be obtained at 11.5 % per annum, with financing from 50 million to 2 billion rubles and a term of up to 10 years. However, there are priority sectors, such as manufacturing and the hotel business. If the hotel business cannot use Resolution No. 141, it can rely on Programme 17‑64. The list of sectors is constantly changing, so it is important to keep track of new developments.

3. A programme implemented through the Industrial Development Fund, which Maryam Davletshina particularly likes. It is aimed at equipment purchases and import substitution. Under this programme, loans can be obtained at a rate of 3–5 % per annum. VTB Bank provides a guarantee for loan repayment to the Industrial Development Fund. A large number of clients have already used this programme because it has a simplified application process. VTB Bank works closely with the Industrial Development Fund and can help present a project and provide consultations.

Iskander Iskhakov, Director of the Islamic Banking Centre at PJSC “Ak Bars” Bank, reported that Islamic finance is becoming increasingly relevant. He noted that Islamic financial services have existed in the republic and Russia since 2010, and Ak Bars Bank is one of the first banks to have developed this area.

The bank offers a wide range of products: 5 retail and 12 corporate products for businesses. According to Iskander Iskhakov, Ak Bars Bank holds a leading position in the market of Islamic financial products in Russia. He expressed hope that most market requests can be satisfied with these products.

Iskander Iskhakov emphasised that they are just beginning their journey and have a lot of work ahead. All products were created in response to market demands. In the republic and beyond, a significant part of the population deliberately avoids traditional banking loan products, and the bank aims to actively engage this part of society in economic life. This will allow them to participate more actively in business development, as full‑fledged economic and social development is impossible without financial products.

“…we see them (the Tyulyachinsky District) as key players in establishing a centre for both national games and a breeding centre”

A key piece of news for the development of the Tyulyachinsky District was announced by Gelyus Bayazitov, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food of the Republic of Tatarstan. Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, has instructed to adopt a new regional programme for the development of horse breeding and equestrian sports. It will run from 2027 to 2031.

Gelyus Bayazitov: “This is specifically aimed at future investors and even existing farms that can use these measures for the further development of equestrian sports. Today, drafts for subsidy provision are being prepared, and documentary work is underway.”

The Deputy Minister reported that support measures will be directed:

1. Towards the purchase of mares. A 50 % subsidy on purchases is planned, along with additional measures to increase livestock numbers. Horses kept on farms will be registered in a federal system, which will encourage accounting and reporting. Both agricultural organisations and farmers, as well as private subsidiary farms, can participate in the programme. Everyone involved in horse breeding can take part.

2. Construction and major renovation of stables for horse keeping. For individual keeping of up to 100 heads — construction and major renovation of individual facilities; for more than 100 heads — group housing methods, as well as stable construction and renovation. These works will also be subsidised by 50 %.

3. Development of koumiss production. This requires horses, milking, and dairy equipment. A subsidy for 20 units of equipment is planned.

4. Establishment of a national culture development centre.

5. Subsidising activities aimed at creating a breeding centre. “We have the Tatar horse breed. We are developing it in two directions. The first is productive — for meat and milk. The second is sports and entertainment, so to speak. That is, our breed will develop in these two directions. Naturally, pure originals will be promoted in both directions. This will also be subsidised. And, of course, equestrian sports will also be supported,” shared Gelyus Bayazitov.

Currently, Tatarstan has three facilities:

• The Kazan Hippodrome, whose development aims to increase the number of horses tested and achieve better results during races.

• Development of equestrian sports schools. The republic has such schools, with the central one located at the Kazan Hippodrome. It is proposed to create an Olympic Reserve Centre for targeted training of children and athletes for future international competitions and victories.

Gelyus Bayazitov: “…we see them (the Tyulyachinsky District) as key players in establishing a centre for both national games and a breeding centre.”

Firzar Giniyatullin, co‑founder of LLC “Plemreproduct named after Giniyatullin Sagit Sharifullovich”, which was spoken about with such respect and pride by the plenary session participants, also took the stage. He spoke about the history and achievements of his family’s enterprise.

Read more: https://tida.tatarstan.ru/doklad-koneferma.htm

Not only the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food, but also Nazip Khazipov, Deputy Chairman of the Committee of the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan on Ecology, Nature Management, Agro‑Industrial and Food Policy, sees potential in public‑private partnerships: “To boost investment activity at the municipal level, we consider it necessary to further improve the institution of municipal‑private partnership,” he said.

What did the business say?

Such grand plans for developing the district’s tourism potential through strengthening food and sports activities require more accommodation options for visitors to the Tyulyachinsky District.

Marcel Akhmetshin, General Director of LLC “Home Way”: “I am from Bashkiria, have lived in Moscow for about 40 years, and represent a group of investors who periodically invest in real estate both in Moscow and outside Moscow. At the invitation of Airat Gilvanovich, I came to see what Tyulyachi is like. This is my first time here, and I am pleasantly surprised by the developed infrastructure — it was unexpectedly good; I did not believe it when I was told that the village has a swimming pool, a gym, and an ice rink. I thought it was a fairy tale! I came and saw it with my own eyes. Our company plans to build a hotel.”

The potential investor explained that they are discussing a hotel plan and see the need to create new accommodation options. He noted that the district has a school, many sports facilities, and tourism development potential, so the hotel should be built for about 100 rooms, accommodating around 200 people. The investor also estimated that the hotel’s payback period would be approximately six to seven years.

Taliya Minullina, Head of the Investment Development Agency of the Republic of Tatarstan, noted a good comment regarding the development of a sports cluster. She reported that before the plenary session, the presidium members had visited several sports facilities, including the ice palace and the under‑construction football манеж. According to her, an interesting sports cluster is forming. Taliya Minullina emphasised that the republic has a lot of sports infrastructure, but not enough hotels near sports venues. She noted that this is a very good investment niche for the district, as there is potential for hosting training camps, and proposed developing children’s sports camps.

She was agreed with by Victoria Pugacheva, an international expert from Moscow, Deputy Chairwoman of the Federation of Horse Breeding and Equestrian Sports of Uzbekistan, and author of the “Business on Horseback” project.

“The ‘knight’s move’ should be such that your business stays on top”

Victoria Pugacheva proposed making the potential investment project for hotel construction more ambitious and adding an equestrian complex.

Victoria Pugacheva proposed making the potential investment project for hotel construction more ambitious and adding an equestrian complex with an equestrian school: “…so that we can gather at an investment forum with business representatives in the same format and also watch how our children perform, how we perform, since amateur equestrian sports accept people of any age.”

Moreover, she suggested creating corporate teams for businesses within amateur tournaments to solve work issues in an informal setting with elements of competition and team spirit. Or, instead of competitions, they could organise shows, sports programmes, or even combine them with cultural events.

Taliya Minullina, Head of the Investment Development Agency of the Republic of Tatarstan, also drew attention to the connection of horses not only with sports and culture, but also with healthcare: “I think that, in fact, our reserves in terms of horse breeding development are very large. I remind you of the existence of hippotherapy. And now, the issue of rehabilitation seems to me one of the most important for our country in the coming years,” she said.

“Believe me, in three years you won’t find space for building a residential house or any sites”

Taking an active stance and not neglecting opportunities was also encouraged for entrepreneurs not only in the Tyulyachinsky District, but across the Republic of Tatarstan by Khalil Shaikhutdinov, First Deputy Minister of Sports of the Republic of Tatarstan, and Anton Baklashov, Head and Chairman of the Tatarstan Republican Branch of the All‑Russian Public Organisation of Small and Medium‑Sized Entrepreneurship “OPORA ROSSII”.

Khalil Shaikhutdinov: “Believe me, in three years you won’t find space for building a residential house or any sites. So today you need to take action and start. Such facilities exist, all within walking distance. Dear investors, believe me, Marcel Fanisovich, we will stand by your side when, InshaAllah, you build the hotel. Taliya Ilgizovna, there are very high demands today, even from Surgut, Moscow, and Saint Petersburg. Why? Prices are very affordable, accommodation and food are affordable, and the food is environmentally friendly. Many districts come for figure skating and swimming training camps. Parents come with their children for summer camps. Imagine: they will come with parents, there will be hotels, some will ride horses, others will play hockey. A businessman comes here for three to four days to play ice hockey. You have such opportunities to implement these projects. So, Alga!”

“This is a very interesting district. I am 1 000 % sure it will be filled with investments…”

Anton Baklashov, Head and Chairman of the Tatarstan Republican Branch of “OPORA ROSSII”: “This is a very interesting district. I am 1 000 % sure it will be filled with investments, as we see the business trend — it’s like a tsunami effect spreading from Kazan to the districts. We see that the Laishevsky District is already receiving investments well, then the Pestrechinsky District, and now the Tyulyachinsky District will also be caught up in this investment wave. In any case, everything will happen here. The district is truly unique. People work here, the nature is magnificent, there is a lot of infrastructure — both ready‑made and pre‑prepared. And to attract more investors here… I have noted three important factors that, in my view, will bring investments here.”

“Your horses walk slowly”

• Factor No. 1: Clarification of the investment request from businesses and the municipality.

• Factor No. 2: Mutual speed in decision‑making.

Anton Baklashov gave an example: since a delegation of entrepreneurs interested in launching a business in the Tyulyachinsky District had visited, the premises one group member had eyed for a project had already been taken by another more proactive businessman. “Today I ask: ‘Where is that facility (the school building) that stood in your village of Saush?’ They tell me the guys went in, are making semi‑finished products, and will now make drinks… I wrote to him directly, sent a photo, and wrote: ‘Your horses walk slowly,’” he said.

• Factor No. 3: District support for businesses in risk management.

Anton Baklashov had previously conducted an internal survey among republic entrepreneurs, in which respondents noted that in the current national situation, the key factor has become risk management. And they need district support for this: “That is, issues of connection, land allocation, some administrative barriers — that is, we need joint work to address these risks,” Anton Baklashov presented the business position.

“Here in Tyulyachi, in my opinion, entrepreneurs also come; we need to add tourist infrastructure and tourist activity. Everything is in place for this. The hydraulic structures we passed and saw, the ponds, the huge lakes — they are already documented, recreation zones, permitted use — everything is there, go ahead and do it… The district is indeed promising. And there is a guarantee that investors will come here, and I came today — we have already started talking. Our guys are ready to come here in business cooperation; they supply personnel from regions and the CIS, saying: ‘If the district needs it, we are ready to bring personnel.’ There is a need for about 30–40 people so far. If someone brings personnel, others pick up and say: ‘We are ready to build housing for them.’ Maybe it’s a hostel or a hotel. Not what we understand as an old dormitory, but a new modern project. And thirdly, if these people come with staff, and these build a hostel for them, we are ready to build a food service system here and feed the enterprises, the people who came, and the tourists who came — in cafes, canteens with our own production. Such cooperative proposals are beginning to emerge today. The district is very interesting, very close to Kazan. Good road. Good management here, good resources, infrastructure, prospects — I think you can’t find better,” Anton Baklashov concluded.

“I do not consider myself a foreign investor, I am already one of you (min inde sezne keşe)”

All the above epithets about the district’s comfort for investors were confirmed by representatives of “LMR‑Plast”, whose production facility the plenary session participants had visited during an industrial tour of the Tyulyachinsky District. Over 11 years, the company has invested 6 billion rubles in the district.

Gosman Masgutovich Kabirov, General Director of LLC “LMR‑Plast”: “In 2014, construction began, and the Turkish investor decided to localise production in the Republic of Tatarstan. And it was a combination of factors that made us choose the Tyulyachinsky District. The production launch was carried out, by the way, by Rustam Nurgalievich. That was also a landmark event, thanks to his light hand.”

Melikh Tavly, Founder of LLC “LMR‑Plast”: “I do not consider myself a foreign investor; I am already one of you (min inde sezne keşe). Why did we choose Tatarstan? We looked at many different regions in Russia… My wife is Tatar, so no other region could have been chosen instead of Tatarstan. Yes, what Gosman said is true — investors are treated very friendly here, everyone helps, we always feel this support, from the Rais in Kazan, from the Head of Tyulyachi. So we will continue to develop further, and thank you.”

Read more about the company’s successes: https://tida.tatarstan.ru/doklad-lmr-plast.htm

The plenary session discussion was concluded by Airat Fatkhullin, Head of the Tyulyachinsky Municipal District. He noted that he had “taken note” of the ideas and proposals voiced, assured that he and his team would work on them, thanked businesses for choosing the Tyulyachinsky District for their projects and, as a result, for creating jobs and conditions for residents, and overall for “working for the benefit of our district”, which will celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2026: “We will celebrate the anniversary достойно, both in Kazan and in the district, so we welcome all investors, and I wish only success, only forward, Alga!” the district head concluded.

This was followed by a торжественная ceremony of presenting letters of gratitude to the discussion participants and the signing of three cooperation agreements.