Yunus-Bek Yevkurov: ‘In terms of investments, it is ridiculous to compare Tatarstan and Ingushetia’

Yunus-Bek Bamatgireyevich, what points of contact do the Islamic countries and your region have? What spheres of cooperation are prospective?

There are many of them. First of all, of course, we mentioned we had a meeting with the delegation of Qatar, including the leading Islamic banks, which saw the possibilities of the republic. Certain points of contacts are found in investments. Speaking about agricultural and construction sectors and their participation (including the UAE) in a number of investment social projects: construction of schools, kindergartens, health centres, there are different points of contact, including the sector of social services and economy.

What key projects do you have?

The development of greenhouse facilities is what they have been interested in today. We have already been at the first stage 100 ha of greenhouse facilities… and commodities will be delivered to Saudi Arabia and Qatar from here. The second direction is mineral water and steel water. <...> The third is dairy and meat sector, including the development of our complexes that produce turkey meat, chicken, mutton and beef. And today we are working with them in these sectors.

What about the export?

At present we see only one direction. We send what we get. But again we consider it. They either buy it from us and take it or produce here themselves, build, invest their money and take it. Today a part of commodities has been already sent. An agreement with the Emirates on 350 tonnes of honey has been signed now. The documents have been signed, everything have been adjusted. It is possible that honey supply has been already started. It will be augmented year after year.

We are in the top 50 of investment attractive regions of Russia. It is a big advantage. We have increased private investments many times during literally four years. It is ridiculous to compare Tatarstan and Ingushetia, of course. But, nevertheless, speaking about growth rates, we are among ten regions concerning the growth of investments.

Are there any difficulties on the way of a long-standing cooperation?

The difficulties are the same: the process is extremely slow. The process drags on from the visit, signing of agreement to the realization. And I will tell you it is not our fault here (I mean the legal system of the Russian Federation). It takes more time there, in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. These processes are not carried out quickly there. There are no more difficulties.

There is an impression it is a common tendency of Eastern countries.

What makes me happy is that when it happens (taking into account the experience of the regions where it happened), though slowly, it is done well. If they do it, they do it well. But again, one needs to lead to it and wait for this process very patiently. The most important thing is that we offer mutually beneficial things. We don't ask them to invest in the republic but invest in order to let them earn and deliver goods. This is why 99% of food in Qatar comes from abroad. They could produce their goods on our territory and take them, according to our plan.

What Russian regions are your rivals in the fight for investors?

We cannot say we are a rival, though we are in the top 50 of investment attractive regions of Russia. It is a big advantage. We have increased private investments many times during literally four years. It is ridiculous to compare Tatarstan and Ingushetia, of course. But, nevertheless, speaking about growth rates, we are among ten regions concerning the growth of investments. But today we are not speaking about a competition. Taking into account the fulfilment of 2-3 projects this year and next year, we can say we can compete in some sectors. Even if we launch 100 ha of greenhouses in the agricultural complex, I think no Russian region will have such a relationship with the Arab countries as our regions has. We will be the first in this direction.