Delegation of Tatarstan led by Mintimer Shaimiev has arrived in France

These minutes President of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev is taking part in official reception arranged on behalf of Minister of economic development and trade of the Russian Federation Herman Gref in Nice (France).

The reception is participated by the invited Ambassador of France to Russia Jean Cade, mayor of Nice Jacque Peira, mayor of the city of Cannes Bernard Broshan. The event is taking place at the hotel "Negresco".

The official delegation of Tatarstan led by Mintimer Shaimiev today at 21.45 Moscow time arrived at the airport of Nice «Cфte d'Azur» for participation in the XVII International exhibition - fair of the commercial real estate "MIPIM-2006", opening in Cannes. At the airport RT President was welcomed by Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the French Republic to Russia Jean Cade and prefect of department Maritime Alps of France Er Brei. The parties exchanged greetings, Jean Cade has handed over Mintimer Shaimiev a bouquet of flowers. We remind, that RT President and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to the Russian Federation already met twice in Kazan - in December and March 2004.

It is necessary to note that the French Republic is one of the main trading partners of Tatarstan holding 13th position by volume of commodity circulation in 2005. Last year the foreign trade turnover between Tatarstan and France made 198,7 million US dollars that is higher than a level of 2004 by 54,2 million dollars. Last years diplomatic communications between Tatarstan and France have been intensively progressing. In June, 2001, in headquarters of UNESCO in Paris, Days of Tatarstan were held with participation of Tatarstan President in connection with the decision on inclusion of Kazan in the list of cities of the World heritage of UNESCO, and preparation for celebrating 1000-anniversary of Tatarstan capital. In April, 2005, presentation of economic potential of Republic Tatarstan passed .at the Embassy of France in Moscow. In November, 2005, the delegation of the RT Ministry of Trade and external economic cooperation participated in work of business Russian-French forum «Rossiysky meetings» held in the French Senate.

After end of solemn reception the delegation moves to Cannes where tomorrow morning opening the XVII International exhibition - fair of the commercial real estate "MIPIM-2006" takes place.

Nice - city and port in the south of France with the population of 339 thousand people located at coast of Mediterranean sea - an administrative centre of department Maritime Alps. Cannes is 30 kms from Nice on Azure Coast. The city is the large tourist center and a popular resort of the French Riviera. The main sight of Cannes - the well-known parkway Kruazett leading to the Palace of festivals and congresses where within one year about 150 international actions are held including the Cannes film festival. The exhibition "MIPIM-2006" will be held there.

Tomorrow within the framework of exhibition presentation of Tatarstan exposition is to be staged. Besides, appearance of representatives Tatarstan delegations at the international conference «Investments in real estate of Russia : regions on rise» is expected. RT exposition occupies 142 sq.m. It presents 38 regional investment projects . The purpose of participation of Tatarstan in exhibition - fair is promotion of the major investment projects, establishment of business contacts with foreign companies and funds, attraction of foreign investments and high technologies to the republican market of commercial real estate.