The main purpose of the visit was to discuss a wide range of issues related to bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

(Kazan, July 26, Tatar-inform). Turkey’s energy and natural resources minister Taner Yildyz has visited the special economic zone Alabuga within a working trip to Tatarstan. The guests were accompanied by Tatarstan Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov, Alabuga’s press service reports.

The main purpose of the foreign delegation’s visit to Tatarstan is to discuss a wide range of issues pertaining to bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the two states, and to introduce them to the heads of Turkish firms placing production facilities inside the SEZ.

The visit began with reviewing some effective projects in the Alabuga zone, including the Italian-Russian plant Sollers Yelabuga, manufacturing the Fiat Ducato commercial autos, and P-D Tatneft Alabuga Steklovolokno, a plant producing fibre optics and derivatives, officially launched in early July with Russia economic minister Elvira Nabiullina present.

Following the tour, a presentation of Alabuga as an industrial venue offering investors most attractive terms for setting up industrial facilities was held. The guests were demonstrated the customs, industrial and business infrastructure in the zone, aimed to create a most favourable environment for residents’s operation.

The Turkish energy minister noted he had been especially impressed with tax benefits and low prices of land. A substantial motivational breakthrough in attracting investors has been made. In conclusion, he pledged to personally oversee and assist in resolving issues faced by Turkish firms running projects in the zone.

Turnover between Tatarstan and Turkey has been growing. In 2008, it totalled nearly $3 billion. Turkey again ranked first among Tatarstan’s trading partners.
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