Rais of Tatarstan: The Chamber of Commerce and Industry system is one of the drivers of interregional and international cooperation

On May 13, on the sidelines of the XVII International Economic Forum “Russia-the Islamic World: KazanForum”, at the 6th International Forum of Chambers of Commerce and Industry held in Kazan from May 13 to 15, the Rais(Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov together with President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation Sergey Katyrin and Chairman of the Union “Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Tatarstan” Shamil Ageev had a meeting with heads of chambers of commerce and industry from foreign countries.

“We highly appreciate your attention to our country and republic, as well as your readiness for open and constructive dialogue. It is especially gratifying to see that many of you are visiting Tatarstan not for the first time. This indicates that a comfortable and efficient environment for cooperation is being created here. At the same time, we are pleased to welcome new participants—this always means new ideas, contacts and opportunities,” Minnikhanov said in his welcoming speech.

He thanked Katyrin for many years of consistent work in organizing the International Forum of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, which continues to strengthen its status as an authoritative international platform for business communication.

This year, representatives of 27 foreign chambers of commerce and industry and 35 delegations from Russian regions are participating in the forum.

“The unification of organizations from Russia and the countries of the Islamic world demonstrates their systemic role in business development. This confirms the importance of the chamber of commerce and industry system as a driver of interregional and international cooperation,” the Rais of the republic said.

He emphasized that Russian Government and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry maintain constant contact, and all challenges faced by the business community are addressed jointly.

“We have already learned to work under sanctions pressure and have managed to replace many imported manufacturers with domestic products and technologies. The international activities of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry have played an important role in this. We expect further strengthening of cooperation with our colleagues from Muslim countries, including through the mechanisms of the chambers of commerce and industry of Tatarstan and Russia,” Minnikhanov stated.

He noted that today KazanForum is a respected venue for presenting investment opportunities and establishing direct contacts with business communities from countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

“KazanForum is an important part of systematic efforts aimed at developing international partnerships and business ties. Tatarstan is consistently developing the infrastructure necessary for such interaction. Today, we have numerous platforms where businesses can present projects, find partners and establish cooperation. Throughout the year, the republic hosts a number of major business events across various sectors. We invite you and business representatives from your countries to participate actively—not only as guests, but also as partners, exhibitors and co-organizers of business initiatives,” the Rais (Head) of the republic emphasized.

He stressed that Tatarstan is confidently strengthening its position as an international center of business diplomacy. In 2024, Kazan successfully hosted the BRICS Summit 2024, which confirmed the high level of trust in the republic and its infrastructure.

This year, in accordance with a decree by Russian President, Kazan is scheduled to host the Russia–ASEAN Forum, which will become another important step in developing multifaceted international cooperation.

President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Russia Sergey Katyrin thanked the leadership of the republic for its hospitality and assistance in organizing the forum.

He noted that the business program of the International Forum of Chambers of Commerce and Industry includes thematic sessions devoted to key areas of international economic cooperation, including tourism, industrial tourism, food security, the creative economy, international commercial arbitration, and the development of trade and investment ties.

“In addition, of course, all delegates are interested in participating in the events of KazanForum,” he added.

During the meeting, representatives of Kyrgyzstan, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and the Businesswomen Council under the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce presented their chambers of commerce and industry and outlined promising areas for future cooperation.