President of Tatarstan praises cooperation with Turkey

Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan held a meeting with President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov. During the meeting, Caglayan said that he was unable to meet with Minnikhanov during his recent visit to the northern province of Bursa due to his schedule abroad, but that he has invited him to Tatarstan in April. "Bursa Automotive Exporters’ Association has been carrying out the necessary investment work in the Special Economy Zone Alabuga. The amount of trade between the two countries has approached $800 million, and we aim to surpass $1 billion," Caglayan said, adding that Turkish companies are always encouraged to invest in Tatarstan and that a crowded delegation would be visiting the country in April. For his part, Minnikhanov congratulated the Turkish government for conducting good work as a good team despite difficult situations and issues throughout the world. "Our contacts with Turkey have increased to a great extent. Four projects have been implemented only in the Free Economic Zone. We will open two large factories at the Special Economy Zone Alabuga with our Turkish investor friends. This will be a good signal for Turkish investors as well. There are currently 380 jointly-established Turkish and Tatary companies. I think we can increase this number and go further," Minnikhanov added.