Mintimer Shaimiev, ‘Holding the assembly of EBRD Managers Council in Kazan is advantageous for image of the republic’

Meeting of Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev and European Bank of Reconstruction and Development president Jean Lemierre was held on March 1in Kazan Kremlin. Readiness of Tatarstan capital to host the annual assembly of EBRD Managers Council in May 2007 was discussed on the meeting.

Head of EBRD in Russia, Byelorussia and Tajikistan Yelena Kotova, EBRD deputy secretary general Nigel Carter, Tatarstan Prime Minister Rustam Minnikhanov, head of RT President’s Apparatus Yury Kamaltynov, the first deputy of RT Prime Minister Ravil Muratov, heads of republican ministries and departments and other officials took part in yesterday’s negotiations.

Decision about holding the annual assembly of EBRD Managers Council in Kazan was made on April 10, 2006. Organization committee headed by RT Prime Minister was created in order to prepare for the event. 15 working trips of EBRD delegations to Kazan including two visits of the bank secretary general Horst Reichenbach have taken place since April 2005.

Mintimer Shaimiev opened the meeting and thanked representatives of European Bank of Reconstruction and Development for credibility and the opportunity to hold such a significant international event in Kazan. “Indeed, the European Bank now has an experience of holding events in regions of states,” – he emphasized.

The head of the republic also indicated that Tatarstan completed last year successfully with exceeding of the forecasted indices. “We have started this year pretty well – we provided growth of industrial production on 12% level,” – he said. “I consider the example of Tatarstan to be a signal for Russian economy in general,” – the head of the republic expressed his opinion.

Mintimer Shaimiev also informed the guests about Tatarstan Entrepreneurs’ Meeting, which was held in Kazan at the end of the last year. RT Government created special funds for support of small and middle business. Relations between business and power in Tatarstan reach an appropriate level at present,” – he pointed out.

Mintimer Shaimiev and Jean Lemierre answered questions of Tatarstan mass media representatives after the meeting. “We have discussed all issues concerning the annual assembly, - Mintimer Shaimiev indicated. – There are no insoluble problems so far”. Mr. Lemierre expressed confidence that RF Government and RT President’s decision to hold EBRD Council assembly in Kazan was well grounded. “I’m sure that the assembly will be crowned with success thanks to your hospitability,” – EBRD President noted.

He also pointed out that many businessmen, outstanding politicians, journalists, civil society representatives will gather at EBRD Manager Council assembly. “We will discuss many things, but the main issue will be ways of establishing common work in order to improve people’s life, create jobs and opportunities for dialogue, - J. Lemierre stated.

“Holding the assembly of EBRD Managers Council in Kazan is advantageous for image of the republic, - Tatarstan President emphasized in conclusion. – We expect approximately 2500 people from more than 60 countries – representatives of banks, business-structures, and companies to come to Kazan. There will be an opportunity to present Tatarstan to all participants of the forum. For sure, we will take advantage of this chance”.