Rustam Minnikhanov takes part in a plenary session dedicated to 195th anniversary of consumers’ cooperation system in Russia

On 2 March the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov took part in a plenary session dedicated to the 195th anniversary of consumer cooperation system in Russia held in the Village of Chirpy in Vysokaya Gora region of the republic.

Before the session, Rustam Minnikhanov, the Chairman of the Council of the Centersoyuz of Russia Dmitriy Zubov and other officials looked round an exposition of the Tatpotrebsoyuz which demonstrated the produce of agricultural cooperation enterprises.

Speaking after reports given by Dmitriy Zubov and the Chairman of the Tatpotrebsoyuz Board Rashat Shaymardanov, Rustam Minnikhanov congratulated participants of the meeting with the 195th anniversary of the establishment of the consumer cooperation system and shred his impressions from visiting a new shop in the Village of Dubyazy.

“We should understand that private business cannot ensure trade in remote rural territories – no one will get there. That is why the state must support also consumer cooperation.  Of course in large residential settlements there will be entrepreneurs who will ensure trade. But it must also exist in the village – both modern services and trade,” he said.

The Rais of the republic said he is sure that the Centersoyuz of Russia and its CEO Dmitriy Zubov will ensure the development of consumer cooperation and assured that the leadership of Tatarstan will support the development of new shops in the country and expressed the opinion that products from Tatarstan consumer cooperatives should be sold there.

 “We will provide full support from our side. Serving sparsely populated areas and creating retail outlets is also an important task for the government. This problem cannot be solved by itself - it is important to make efforts, invest resources, and find and train people,” Rustam Minnikhanov said and reminded that it is envisaged to increase the number of such shops in Tatarstan to 500 (there are currently 100 open). 

He also stated that the republic is ready for hosting the International Forum of Consumer Cooperation in Kazan (to be held on 8-10 July 2026).