On March 26, Acting Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov met businessmen of the republic within the framework of the project “Business and power: straight talk” at high technology technopark “IT-park” in Kazan. Tatarstan Presidential envoy for protection fo entrepreneurs’ rights Timur Nagumanov, heads of regional ministries and agencies, municipalities and businessmen took part in the meeting.

Opening the event, Rustam Minnikhanov said that Tatarstan economy should be based on self-sufficient people willing and able to earn money.

At this meeting we need to discuss topical problems such as formation of favourable investment climate, decrease of administrative load and increase of openness of state authorities.

It was not the first meeting of the President with businessmen and it has shown itself to good advantage.

Answering the question about development of Islamic banking, Rustam Minnikhanov said that this issue had been discussed before and Russian President made him responsible for work with Islamic world.

It was noted that Russia now limited access to European financial resources, which makes Islamic banking more sought-after. However, a lot of work should be done in this sphere, i.e. personnel training, establishing contacts, and introducing amendments in federal laws.

Regional farmers asked Rustam Minnikhanov about opening of whole-sale center for food producers in Kazan. The president reminded about Agro-industrial park that was built in Kazan to help farmers selling their products. Local producers can hardly compete with big distribution networks in prices but the quality of their food is much better. Therefore, the president called for developing consumer associations and working with private farms.

Speaking about development of parks and squares in the republic, Minnikhanov said that it is a very prospective area for businessmen. All projects will be discussed with the public and businessmen, he said.

Summing up, Rustam Minnikhanov said that the decrease in business activity was observed in the first quarter of 2015, however, the situation is gradually settling down.