Rustam Minnikhanov discussed issues of increasing trade turnover and mutually beneficial cooperation between Tatarstan and the Republic of Lithuania with Ambassador of Lithuania in Russia Renatas Norkus

Issues of increasing trade turnover and mutually beneficial cooperation between the Republic of Lithuania and the Republic of Tatarstan being one of the regions of Russia were discussed at the meeting between President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Lithuania in the Russian Federation Renatas Norkus. The meeting was held in the Kazan Kremlin.

Welcoming the guests Rustam Minnikhanov said that at the moment Lithuania and Tatarstan are interesting for each other as trading partners. He noted that the situation in the Republic was stable and that the Republic would close the year with 7% increase in the volume of industrial production and more than 5% increase in gross regional product (GRP). The President mentioned that the Republic was implementing such major projects as “TANEKO” OJSC, the construction of innovative satellite city “Innopolis”" and other projects.

Large-scale modernization of the international airport “Kazan” is being carried out in the framework of the preparation for the Universiade 2013. In general, the Republic is to complete two most significant Venues i.e. a new Football Stadium for 45 000 spectators and Aquatics Palace. “Universiade 2013 will transform the city”, said Rustam Minnikhanov.

Rustam Minnikhanov said that it was important for Tatarstan and Lithuania to increase the turnover. He noted that in 2007 the volume of the trade had amounted to about 282 million U.S. dollars, in 2011 it had amounted to 35 million U.S. dollars. “We must use all our potential since about 50% of our products are manufactured for export”, said the President of Tatarstan. During the meeting Rustam Minnikhanov appreciated the cooperation of “Holding Company Ak Bars” OJSC with a Lithuanian company engaged in the preparation and training of pilots for civil aviation. “We are interested in the opening of a training center being a branch of the company in the Republic”, he said.

In his turn Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Lithuania in the Russian Federation Renatas Norkus said he had wished to visit the Republic of Tatarstan being one of the fastest growing regions of Russia.

Renatas Norkus noted the good trade turnover between Russia and Lithuania in general, and also said that his country intended to cooperate with Tatarstan as one of the leading regions of Russia.

Among the sectors that may be interesting for joint projects he mentioned industry, engineering, agriculture, tourism, logistics etc. Renatas Norkus offered to consider the possibility of the trading port of Klaipeda, especially given the fact that the transport corridor “Western Europe - Western China” would pass through the territory of Tatarstan. Renatas Norkus said that “KAMAZ” OJSC had decided to open its own production in Lithuania. He noted that they were interested in attracting Russian investors because Lithuania could become a gateway in Europe for the Russian business.

Renatas Norkus also stated that the Tatar diaspora in Lithuania had about three thousand people.

Then the representatives of Lithuanian business presented their enterprises engaged in training civil aviation pilots, production of engine-driven compressors and other parts for cars, biological water treatment and special equipment production as well as distribution of Lithuanian goods in Russia. They expressed the intention to develop projects in Tatarstan.

Later on, Minister of Construction, Architecture and Housing of the Republic of Tatarstan I.E. Faizullin met with Executive Director of Lithuanian company “Traidenis” in the Russian Federation A.Smolentsev. The company deals with water treatment plants.