Target program of developing biotechnologies in 2010-2020 years accepted in Tatarstan

The target program “Development of biotechnologies in 2010-2020 years” has been considered and accepted today at a session in the RT Cabinet held by RT Prime Minister Rustam Minnikhanov.

The program was developed at the initiative of JSC “Tatneftehiminvest-holding” with participation of Russian biotechnologists’ community and attraction of wide range of specialists. Total volume of financing makes 30 bln. roubles.

Opening the session, RT Prime Minister Rustam Minnikhanov reminded that today people understand the importance of development and creation of products on the basis of biotechnologies. It concerns the sphere of medicine, agriculture and energetics.

Head of Tatarstan government said that currently Tatarstan holds only the 70th place in the World in manufacturing products using biotechnologies.

The strategy of developing biotechnological sphere in Russia till 2020 year sets a task to increase production output on the basis of nano- and bio- technologies.

Director General of JSC “Tatneftehiminvest-holding” Rafinat Yarullin presented the target program “Development of biotechnologies in 2010-2020 years” at the session. By his words there are all necessary conditions in republic for implementation of the program – developed agriculture, industrial base, bio-resources, high scientific and educational potential.

Thus, the program’s goal is creation of innovative bioeconomy in Tatarstan based on large-scale introduction of modern biotechnologies in key areas of national economy.

Rafinat Yarullin informed that the program is expected to be realized in two stages - 2010-2015 and 2016-2020 years.

The first stage implies formation of biotechnological cluster of Tatarstan which would include existing and newly-formed enterprises of biotechnological sector, making relations with scientific, educational and industrial structures, defining consumers and product markets. About 100 profile enterprises are to participate in cluster; 30 regions of republic are planned to be attracted for program realization.

The second stage implies formation of bioregion with 100% attraction of all regions.

The main instrument for program implementation is development of new normative acts of state-private partnership, budget financing and state order. At the same time state-private partnership implies joint financing of the projects. Rafinat Yarullin stressed that for this purpose a special fund of assistance to development of biotechnologies in republic would be created. The main result is formation of innovative bio-economy, which would help to solve important economic and social tasks, he said.

Finally, we will have organization producing socially significant domestic biotechnological products, formation of perspective stable import-substituting product market and services of increased demand (food, medicines, forage, fuel, fertilizers), maintenance and rational use of bio-resources, ensuring biological well-being of republic.

Chairman of Russian biotechnologists’ community Raif Vasilov spoke at the session.

Acceptance and realization of the program implies enormous possibilities for republic and its economy, Rustam Minnikhanov considers.