Tatarstan: A unique republic, A unique investment opportunity
Per Kaufmann, CEO of IKEA Russia and Ukraine: "The local administration was very positive and supportive in having us here; that was a main reason for making this our first regional Russian investment outside of Moscow and St Petersburg."
Umberto della Sala, CEO of Foster Wheeler company: "When we started doing business in Tatarstan several years ago, I could hardly tell you where Kazan was on the map. I was surprised when I paid a visit there to see such a clean, well-developed city. One sometimes worries about working with post-Soviet companies that they will be very bureaucratic. But actually, both Tatneft and the prime minister are very pragmatic, competent,willing to learn and open to all requirements of the global economy."
Olga Dergunova, CEO, Microsoft Russia & CIS: "An important point is that the republic has created favourable conditions for the federal ministries to be part of the process. They don’t try to do everything themselves but are integrated into the federal strategy, which is important for foreign investors."
Jean Lemierre, president, EBRD: "Tatarstan’s economy combines natural resource wealth with a strong industrial base.