Annual reporting meeting of Tatarstan Investment Development Agency was held on January 27
During the meeting the speakers were communicating with audience in three languages: Russian, Tatar and Persian. How many millions of dollars the Republic earns a day, who will bring a new brand of Tatarstan to the world and who was called to work “in harness” by Tatarstan President were announced at the meeting.
The event was attended by Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, Chairman of Non-profit organization “National Association of investment and development agencies” Sergei Belyakov, Deputy Head of Kazan Executive Committee Ivan Kuznetsov, Acting Consul General of Iran in Kazan Mohsen Fagani, Advisor to Director General of Agency of Strategic Initiatives for Promotion of Innovative Projects Vera Adaeva, General and Honorary Consuls of the foreign states in the Republic, investors, heads of ministries and agencies of the Republic, deputies, heads of municipal entities and urban districts of Tatarstan.
Taliya Minullina started her statement with intriguing question: “I hope those who came here today have foreign currency or many many rubles. What should I tell you or what should I do to make you give away this money with hope to return more in the near future. Convincing investors to invest is a challenge. This is the main function of TIDA –attraction of investment and work with investors”.
The work effectiveness of TIDA was further described in figures. Thus, in 9 months of 2015 the volume of attracted investment into the fixed capital of Tatarstan economy amounted to 336 billion rubles. Compared to same period of 2014 (299,1 billion rubles), there is a 37 billion rubles increase. Foreign investments are growing too. More foreign direct investments from over than 26 countries were received for 9 months of 2015 as compared to the corresponding figures of the previous year. This is despite the tough economic circumstances, with an average forecast to be over $ 800 million for a year. Thus, every day Tatarstan attracts more than $2 million on foreign direct investment! “The whole republic is working on attracting investments today. Therefore these figures are common achievement of Tatarstan”, summarized Taliya Minullina. “I thank you all for joint work in 2015. It is only together that we will be able to attract investments in attractive Tatarstan”.
The program of investment promotion “Invest in Tatarstan” was determined as one of the main challenges for 2016. The extensive PR-campaign with the involvement of foreign media and use of the brand logo will be held. Promotion of native republic is also possible from within because each citizen and guest of Tatarstan is its potential influence agent. T-shirts with an inscription “Invest in Tatarstan” as a gift were distributed to all attendees as a first step.
In his speech Sergei Belyakov noted that Kazan is among few Russian cities, where he loves being: “Warmth of your hospitality is felt not only by your guests but by investors too”. He underlined that it is not difficult to earn money in Russia. It is more complicated to save it. This is the main aim of regional investment agencies, as he thinks. “All the way from airport I was listening to TIDA Chief Executive without saying a word. I was glad that Tatarstan has such an active and talented Chief Executive. What will you do if she is noticed in Moscow and is enticed to work at the federal level?”- jokingly completed his speech Mr. Belyakov.
In his concluding statement, Mr. Rustam Minnikhanov, Tatarstan President, noted that investment attracting is not an easy task, which depends not only on the foreign and domestic situation, but also is up to all of us. Both foreign and domestic investments are required, it is necessary to fully develop the internal capacity of every region, every city and the Republic as a whole. “There are some difficulties in cooperation with the European Union and US companies. But things are not so bad. Iran has become open; we should actively collaborate with this country of huge potential. The presence of the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran is our competitive advantage. In addition, we are actively working with China. Tatarstan Investment Development Agency accumulates more experience in searching for partners. We travel widely and meet with foreign partners. If one out of ten shots is accurate, it will be already well.
Today every self-respecting head of the district administration forms a pool of interesting projects which will create new jobs and the tax base in the future. We have changed the attitude of the heads of municipalities considering the new enterprises establishment and attracting investors. I believe this is a great achievement” – this is how an exhibition in the lobby was characterized by Rustam Minnikhanov. District heads together with investors told about business projects planned on their territories in the frameworks of the implementation of the Strategy – 2030 in three economic zones of republic.
“Much has been said today, there are some positive directions. For instance, Taliya began to use Tatar language in her speech. We should learn and always be in constant motion. TIDA is seriously engaged in attracting investors, promoting the Republic. However, the agency is not able to solve this problem alone. It coordinates us, coordinates some issues but it is important for ministers, government and heads of administrations to work in harness. It is difficult to achieve results without coherent work. High results will be achieved only this way. I wish Tatarstan Investment Development Agency will continue to show such positive dynamics and we will assist in it"- Mr. Minnikhanov said.
Annual reporting meeting came to the end with the solemn signing of agreements with the Socio-Entrepreneurial Corporation "Tobol” (Kazakhstan) and “Russian Towers” company.