Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov has today met with the French delegation, led by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Russia Jean de Gliniasty.

The meeting took place at the Kazan Kremlin. Tatarstan was represented by the culture minister Zilya Valeeva, industry and trade minister Ravil Zaripov, Tatarstan Commerce and Industry Chamber chairman Shamil Ageev, aide to Tatarstan President on international affairs Timur Akulov, and others

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Welcoming the guests, R. Minnikhanov recalled he had last met with the French ambassador during the investment forum in Saint-Petersburg in September 2010, when Jean de Gliniasty pledged to bring an extended business delegation to Tatarstan. “You are a man of word,” R. Minnikhanov stated. “I am sure the today’s meeting will give momentum to many of our joint projects.”


France has been the Russia’s and Tatarstan’s main trading partner, he went on. The year 2010 was a Year of Russia in France and a Year of France in Russia, which involved extensive work on arranging film festivals, exhibitions, student exchange trips and many educational projects.


The trade between Tatarstan and France ($285.8 million in the 9 months of 2010) should be increased, R. Minnikhanov enhanced.


The Tatar chief executive and French ambassador went on to discuss issues related to the development of projects with French capital, including in the Alabuga special economic zone The French Air Liquide was granted tenancy in 2009 and is building a technical gases plant there.


The officials representing Schneider Electric, Air Liquide, Alstom, Ernst and Young, Richemont and Instar Logistics negotiated issues related to business development with the Tatarstan President.


The French delegation will during the visit, on December 13-14, visit the IT Park and hold meetings at the Tatarstan Energy Ministry, Ministry of Youth, Sport and Tourism, and will take part in direct meetings at the Commerce and Industry Chamber.