The Republic of Tatarstan has traditionally developed trade and business relations with foreign countries. Two main trade routes intercrossed on the territory of modern Tatarstan: one of branches of Great Silk Way, and Fur Way that connected Northern and Southern parts of Eurasia. 

Our region has historically fulfilled the role of political and trade-economic centre. Ancestors of Tatars, Volga Bulgars, were engaged in trade relations with the Kama region, Rus, tribes of the European North, Scandinavia, Baltics, Byzantine Empire, the Crimea, Transcaucasia, Khazaria, Khorezm, Iran and China. 

Being the meeting place of civilizations, a symbolic crossing of religious and cultural traditions of the East and West, Asia and Europe, Tatarstan has gained the rich experience of interethnic and interconfessional concord. Relying on it, the republic is developing relations with the world, establishing trade, scientific and cultural contacts with its near and far neighbors and partners.  

Today, Tatarstan cooperates with many regions throughout the world, and actively participates in international trade: more than 100 states develop their relations with the republic. Upon implementing the policy of international and external economic cooperation Tatarstan focuses on searching for a reasonable balance between western and eastern partners. 

Along with development of many-sided relations with Turkey, the republic is enhancing contacts with China, India, and Southeastern Asia. At the same time cooperation with CIS countries in trade-economic and humanitarian spheres is a priority area of the external economic activity. In 2012 Tatarstan external turnover made 25,2 bln US dollars. Trade relations were actively developing with Poland, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Turkey, and Hungary (see monitoring of foreign trade activity on the website of Tatarstan Ministry of Industry and Trade). 

735,6 mln US dollars of investments arrived in Tatarstan in 2012, of which direct investments made  577,3 mln US dollars.3,9 bln dollars of foreign investments were brought in for January 1, 2013. 

High rates of the region’s investment potential guarantee successful implementation of joint projects with participation of foreign partners in Tatarstan.  

The Special Economic Zone “Alabuga” was founded in 2006 under the auspices of the Russian Government. Ready-made industrial, engineering, transport and customs infrastructure, certain tax and customs benefits were provided for investors.  More than 20 resident companies have been attracted. Among them are such well-known international companies as Ford, Saint-Gobain, Air Liquide, Rockwool, Sisecam, Hayat Group.

The Republic of Tatarstan cooperates with major international organizations: UNESCO, UNIDO, International Labour Organization, EBRD, Council of Europe, Congress of local and regional authorities of Europe, International Union of local authorities, Council of European communes and regions, Organization of Islamic cooperation, Islamic development bank, IRCICA. 

Support of republican export enterprises and promotion of Tatarstan produce at foreign markets are important lines of foreign economic activity development in the republic. Leading Tatarstan enterprises take part in major international exhibitions and fairs in different regions throughout the world. 

Republican auto component cluster is being formed today in cooperation with foreign partners. Agreements have been signed with German, Turkish, and Slovenian automotive clusters. 

New trade operators representing global brands came to republic: Auchan, Decathlon, Selgros Cash & Carry.   

Tatarstan officials actively participate in work of Intergovernmental commissions on cooperation between Russian Federation and foreign states, and activity of working groups on cooperation between the Republic of Tatarstan and countries of near and far abroad. Tatarstan international activity is carried out in cooperation with Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and ministry’s representation in Kazan.  

Communication with Tatar diaspora abroad, promotion and maintenance of national traditions, culture and language are important areas of international activity. Executive Committee of the World Congress of Tatars started working in 1992. Meetings are held on a regular basis. Sabantui has become an international holiday. It is celebrated in Russian regions and countries of near and far abroad. 

Development of incoming tourism has been a priority issue for the last few years. Moreover, it is becoming more important on the threshold of summer Universiade 2013. 13,5 thousand people from 200 countries will participate in the event. Several dozens of tourists will watch competitions. 1 mln tourists including 40 thousand foreign tourists annually visit Tatarstan.