Tatarstan and Germany learn better each other

Prospects of cooperation between Tatarstan and Germany in different areas were discussed at the Kazan Kremlin during the meeting of the President of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev with Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Germany in the Russian Federation Hans - Friedrich von Pletz.

“I see great opportunities for cooperation which are opening now at a regional level both in Germany, and in Russia, the President of Tatarstan moted, and we should fully take advantage of these opportunities. Moreover, mutual relations of leaders of two countries today " in the very fine condition ". Fluctuations of parameters of the Tatarstan - German cooperation in different years speak, in opinion of Mintimer Shaimiev, that stable and maximum big volumes of bilateral commodity circulation are not still achieved. Specific weight of this cooperation in the Russian - German mutual relations, in spite of the fact that Tatarstan by the industrial potential is included into the first five of regions of the Russian Federation is low. First of all, the head of republic considers, it is an imperfection of Tatarstan side which export bears mainly a raw orientation. For "treatment" of this "illness" the President offered to address to experience of Germany which, not having a source of raw materials is a major exporter of industrial output.

However, the parties know already enough each other, that is a good foundation for the further work. Tatarstan has considerable positive experience of cooperation with the individual German companies and mistakes which, certainly, do occur , Mintimer Shaimiev named as lesson which would teach us more and more effectively to build bilateral cooperation.

In opinion of the head of Tatarstan, a special attention is necessary for giving use of opportunities of the German companies for the greater integration of Tatarstan enterprises of a machine-building complex in the world economy . From my point of view, it might become a priority of our further cooperation, Mintimer Shaimiev said. One more priority - attraction of investors from Germany to implementing the projects in the field of petrochemistry which, as known is a basis of growth of Tatarstan economy for the nearest years. According to the President, the minimal efficiency of such projects makes 20 percents, and many offers from the foreign companies today are coming. They wishing to invest these projects. Despite of a waiting attitude of the German company BASF Mintimer Shaimiev confirmed will of Tatarstan to cooperate with the company, having noticed however: " Let it did not happen, that we lose, and they may be late. We cannot stand on a place, we need to provide the further growth ".

During the meeting at the Kremlin to the fields of cooperation already designated during two-day negotiations - petrochemical industry, mechanical engineering and motor industry, aircraft -and helicopter construction, small and middle business there were added culture, education, studying of languages. In opinion of Hans - Friedrich von Pletz, all of them are closely connected to the economy, and development of contacts in these directions, undoubtedly, will give a push to more dynamical progressing economy. First of all, vigorously, actively it is necessary to advance those relations which already exist, the Ambassador considers. Main thing is that the attention of economy, industrial enterprises, the public of Germany should be attracted to Tatarstan, and vice versa. This year - year of culture of Russia in Germany, and in 2004 Germany will be the guest of Russia.

According to RT minister of trade and external economic cooperation Hafiz Salikhov who was taking part in the meeting, today's commodity circulation between Tatarstan and Germany makes about 300 million dollars per a year, in any way does not corresponds to their potential opportunities, especially, last two years, some decrease is marked. Commodity circulation as minister considers is possible to increase not one times . And, to achieve is likely on the basis of growth and export of Tatarstan output to Germany, and import from Germany.