Syria interested to become Kamaz-selling centre

The Tatarstan Prime Minister Roustam Minnikhanov and Syrian oil and mineral resources minister Sufian al-Alao have today discussed prospects for cooperation at the premises of the Tatarstan Cabinet of Ministers, reports the press service.

Attendees at the meeting were the Tatneft oil producer general director Shafgat Takhautdinov, Gorbunov Kapo aircraft manufacturer general director Vasil Kayumov and others.

According to the aide to the prime minister on foreign economic affairs Iskander Muflikhanov, Sufian al-Alao named three areas of cooperation of particular interest for Syria. They include expanding relations with Tatneft, on oil deposit development, purchasing the Tu-214 aircraft and cooperation with the auto producer Kamaz.

Sufian al-Alao said in particular that Kamaz heavyweight trucks are widely used in various industries in Syria. In his words, Syria is interested in being a centre selling Kamaz autos and components in the Middle East.

The Syrian oil and mineral resources minister invited Tatarstan representatives to visit his country.

Accepting the invitation, Roustam Minnikhanov said Tatarstan would form a delegation, to include representatives from Tatneft, Kamaz, Gorbunov Kapo and some other industrial companies.

Tatarstan has an opportunity to expand its business contacts and develop relations with the Syrian Arab Republic in the industries of oil recovery, petrochemistry, as well as auto and aircraft making, he said.

Roustam Minnikhanov went on to claim the government of Tatarstan was willing to render every support within cooperation between Tatarstan and Syria.

“Some of our joint projects have today produced first results,” said the Premier, “and we are willing to take on more complex and demanding tasks.”