Rustam Minnikhanov invites Norwegian business to Tatarstan

On May 31, welcoming a delegation from the Kingdom of Norway, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov said that Russia and Norway have long been bound by productive relations and Tatarstan is willing to continue them in various areas.

Addressing Norway Ambassador to Russia Leidulv Namtvedt, Rustam Minnikhanov said “Mister Ambassador, it is your first time in Tatarstan, and we hope you will like it here and visit us regularly”.

“It is clear that the current political environment affects the relations between Russia and European states. But it is temporary. Russia is still open for dialogue, and we see that European states are looking for opportunities to build contacts. Your visit to Tatarstan is a vivid testimony to that,” Minnikhanov said.

“Trade turnover between Norway and Tatarstan amounted to a mere 20 million US dollars in 2015. It is too little,” he stressed. “The republic is one of Russia’s leaders in terms of economic development in the sphere of petrochemistry, oil refining, mechanical engineering and energy. We build helicopters, airplanes, ships, we actively develop innovative and information technology; we are the country’s research centre. In all these areas business contacts can and should be established.” Tatarstan is interested in increasing contacts in the sphere of education and science as well.

“We are interested in food industry and fish processing technology. Norway has a great expertise in that. Besides, we need to develop tourism. Tatarstan residents would find it interesting to travel to the Kingdom, the republic has things to show to guests from Norway. The sights include Sviyazhsk, Bolgar, Bilyarsk and Yelabuga. Kazan is over one thousand years old,” Minnikhanov went on to say.

In his turn Leidulv Namtvedt confirmed that “the current political situation creates certain difficulties”. “But Norway supposes there is potential for future cooperation in a number of areas,” he added. The ambassador leading a very representative delegation is not accidental. A number of meetings on tourism and education are scheduled later on today.

The Norwegian delegation brought to Tatarstan an exhibition dedicated to Soviet prisoners of war, who had found themselves in the northern state during WWII. “We cherish the memory of the Soviet soldiers,” the ambassador stressed.

Besides, the delegation is scheduled to visit Innopolis and Kazan Federal University.

“We are optimistic about future cooperation and new projects allowing us to increase understanding,” Leidulv Namtvedt pointed out.

In his turn Minnikhanov invited Norwegian businesses to Tatarstan. “We have two special economic zones, as well as innovative and IT centres of federal significance. Russia has a great market – do come! We will ensure the most comfortable conditions for developing your business in Tatarstan,” Tatarstan President stressed.