Rais of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov held several bilateral meetings during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
During his conversation with the First Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan Hokim Holikzoda, Minnikhanov emphasized the value of Tatarstan's cooperation with Tajikistan. "We highly appreciate cooperation between our republics within the framework of Russia-Tajikistan relations," he stated. He highlighted the importance of the ongoing dialogue between the Presidents of Russia and Tajikistan, which facilitates opportunities for regional cooperation. Minnikhanov conveyed greetings and gratitude to President Emomali Rahmon for his visit to Kazan and participation in the Games of the Future opening ceremony.
Regarding economic cooperation, Minnikhanov noted that the trade turnover was modest, totaling $36 million last year, but expressed a commitment to significantly increase this figure. He discussed the economic and industrial potential of Tatarstan and areas for boosting trade turnover. Minister of Construction, Housing, and Utilities Irek Faizullin joined the discussion, where they addressed attracting migrants to the construction and housing sectors, including training initiatives.
Holikzoda thanked Minnikhanov for the meeting, acknowledging the strategic partnership between Tajikistan and the Russian Federation and noting the untapped potential for collaboration, especially with Tatarstan.
Relations with Uzbekistan
In his meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Zhamshid Khodjaev, Minnikhanov discussed joint projects in the Bukhara and Navoi regions. With Uzbek Energy Minister Zhurabek Mirzamakhmudov, he noted the importance placed by both Presidents on regional cooperation, as demonstrated by the recent Council of Regions in Tashkent attended by Vladimir Putin and Shavkat Mirziyoyev. They reviewed the progress of joint projects in Uzbekistan, particularly industrial sites in Bukhara and Navoi, and emphasized the need to set competitive tariffs to attract investors.
Tatarstan and Egypt
Meeting with Ahmed Samir, the Minister of Trade and Industry of Egypt, Minnikhanov highlighted Egypt as a longstanding and important partner of Russia. He recalled the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations celebrated last year and expressed Tatarstan's readiness to foster business and cultural ties. The Tatar-Egyptian trade turnover saw significant growth, increasing more than eightfold to $217 million last year. Minnikhanov expressed interest in expanding exports to Egypt, including petrochemicals, machinery, automobile tires, compressors, and agricultural products. He welcomed proposals from the Egyptian side for joint ventures.
Samir expressed gratitude for the meeting opportunity, emphasizing Egypt's large market of 106 million people and the broader African region's market of 1.5 billion. He expressed confidence in finding partners for joint projects with active delegation efforts. Minnikhanov proposed forming a delegation of specialized ministers to visit Tatarstan and explore its industrial potential.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the Rais RT
Based on materials from the Press Service of the Rais RT