Tatarstan - Sweden: to strengthen cooperation

On March 25, President of Tatarstan Minitmer Shaimiev on his working visit to Sweden met with Minister of trade Mr. Leif Pagrotski (Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Also participating in negotiations were Russian Ambassador N.Sadchikov, trade representative V.Spassky, second secretary of the RF Embassy A.Milyayev, all members of the official delegation of Tatarstan. They discussed problems of the development of trade and economic cooperation between Sweden and Tatarstan, in particular both parties emphasized the necessity for more active realization of already existing projects and defining new spheres for cooperation.

Within the framework of realization of the project on creation of a complex for deep oil refining and project for modernization of the ethylene factory several contracts were signed with the American division of the concern "ABB Lummus Global". Two years ago the Volga Plywood-furniture plant received a pine-funiture line under the contract with IKEA. The Bugulma Porcelain Factory also cooperates with this firm. The communication enterprises of Tatarstan actively cooperate with Eriksson. One year ago in Stockholm, KamAZ and Skania signed the memorandum of mutual understanding. There are also contacts with Volvo with the purpose of realization of the joint project on bus production. The enterprise with hundred-per-cent Swedish capital "SkanTatAlabuga" was created within the framwork of the project.

However, cooperation of the enterprises of our republic and Swedish firms had been weakening lately and in this connection the parties expressed serious concern. In particular, Mr. Leif Pagrotski spoke about the establishment of mutually advantageous stable regulations. "We, politicians, should eliminate all obstacles in the way for expansion of trade and economic cooperation between Sweden and Tatarstan as one of the most stable and advanced regions of Russia", he said.

Later in the day Minitmer Shaimiev visited the enterprise Eriksson - one of the world's largest manufacturers of the telecommunication equipment.

The President of Tatarstan also presented a speech in the Swedish Institute of international affairs. The basic motive of a speech was development of federalism and democracy in Russia, in particular Tatarstan's role in the process of federalization of Russia, the formula of civil society in our republic and principles of center-republic relations.