bahrainthismonth.com | MAY 2025 INTERVIEW 14 Tatarstan’s Global Vision Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of Tatarstan – a republic within the Russian Federation – outlines his vision for sustainable development, innovation and partnership with Bahrain as part of an expanding international strategy. Tatarstan has become an example of economic sustainability and innovative development. What strategies contributed to this success? Tatarstan is one of the most industrially and economically advanced regions in Russia. In 2024, our gross regional product reached 5.2 trillion rubles – a 3.9 percent increase from the previous year. This growth is driven by our powerful industrial base, which includes oil refining, petrochemicals, automotive and aerospace manufacturing, and advanced electronics. Beyond traditional strengths, we’ve made considerable investments in human capital, infrastructure and innovation. Our special economic zones, Alabuga and Innopolis, attracted 18 new investors last year alone. We focus not just on output, but on sustainable, innovation-led growth that benefits future generations. Your goals include cutting carbon emissions by 40 percent by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. How is this being achieved? Environmental sustainability is central to our development model. Our oil companies are striving for carbon neutrality by 2050. We already utilise 98 percent of associated petroleum gas and have begun serious investments in carbon capture and storage. We’ve modernised our energy sector, notably through Tatenergo’s efficiency upgrades. Major firms like Kazanorgsintez have overhauled their production lines to lower emissions. Transport is also a key focus: Tatarstan leads in gas-fuelled mobility with over 14,500 vehicles. This shift supports our aim of drastically reducing vehicle emissions while building a greener economy. How does Tatarstan preserve Islamic and Tatar traditions amid rapid modernisation? Our multicultural and multi-faith identity is our strength. We teach our children to respect elders and all communities. Islamic and Christian holidays are observed with mutual warmth. We place strong emphasis on the Tatar language, cultural institutions and heritage preservation. Today, only 30 percent of Tatars live within Tatarstan, so our responsibility extends to supporting the global Tatar diaspora. Religion plays a unifying role. We’ve restored historic mosques, built over 1,500 places of worship and developed Russia’s leading halal certification framework. Our religious leaders play an active part in social and educational projects that reinforce our shared values. What is the future of Tatarstan–Bahrain relations? We see Bahrain as a vital partner in the Middle East. This year marks 35 years of diplomatic ties between our nations. I deeply appreciate the personal attention His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has given us, and we enjoy strong relations with many in Bahrain’s royal family and government. Although our trade volume remains small – around USD483,000 in 2024 – there’s vast potential in Islamic finance, agriculture, energy, IT and cultural cooperation. Tatarstan is a pilot region for Islamic finance in Russia, and Bahrain’s expertise is extremely valuable as we grow this sector. What makes Tatarstan attractive to foreign investors? We prioritise a favourable investment climate with tax benefits, streamlined regulations and world-class infrastructure. Over the past decade, investment in Tatarstan has more than doubled. In 2024, we secured 1.4 trillion rubles in investment. Our special economic zones and industrial parks host more than 1,700 resident companies, employing over 70,000 people. Key areas for growth include mining, advanced manufacturing, communications and tourism. We continue to see strong interest from Asia and the Gulf, and we remain committed to nurturing that momentum through transparency and consistent policy support. What can Bahrain and other Gulf countries expect from KazanForum 2025? KazanForum has become one of Russia’s premier platforms for dialogue with the Islamic world. Since gaining federal status by President Putin’s decree, it now draws over 20,000 participants from 87 countries. This year, we’re hosting more than 130 events ranging from Islamic finance and halal lifestyle to logistics and education.
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