Rustam Minnikhanov: Tatarstan and the Astrakhan region have great potential for further development of mutually beneficial cooperation

On April 14, during his working visit to Astrakhan, speaking at a meeting with Acting Governor of the region Sergey Morozov, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov said that Tatarstan and the Astrakhan region have great potential for further development of mutually beneficial cooperation.

Opening the meeting, Morozov emphasized that Tatarstan and the Astrakhan region have a high level of relations. He said that during the visit of the Astrakhan delegation to Kazan in November 2018, the regions signed an agreement on trade, economic, scientific, technical, social and cultural cooperation. “This document is already showing the results. Astrakhan delegations and working groups visited Tatarstan many times, updated relations in the economic sphere, health care, culture, agriculture, construction, housing and utility services. One of the agreements has been implemented since April 2, namely direct flights 3 times a week between Kazan and Astrakhan has been launched. We will expand our capabilities,” Acting Governor of the Astrakhan region noted.

According to Minnikhanov, Morozov’s visit to Kazan last year gave a new impetus to the development of interregional cooperation.

Minnikhanov emphasized that the regions have good opportunities for increasing trade turnover. To date, this figure exceeds 500 million roubles. It is also necessary to intensify work in cultural exchange, interaction in the field of sports and the training of skilled workers.

“We should pay special attention to the development of digitalization. This concerns all areas, including government, industry, housing and utilities complex, education and culture,” Tatarstan President said. Minnikhanov proposed to develop cooperation in procurement. He said that Zakaz.RF federal trading platform is successfully operating in Tatarstan. “The system of e-trading is a very important element in our work. This platform not only saves money, but also gives opportunity to get quality products,” he said.

The meeting also discussed prospects for cooperation in fish farming, the launch of the KAMAZ vehicle repair centre in the Astrakhan region and the exchange of experience in construction and other issues.

Minnikhanov and Morozov signed an Action Plan to the Agreement on Cooperation between Tatarstan and the Astrakhan region.