bahrainthismonth.com | MAY 2025 INTERVIEW 15 The forum presents a unique opportunity for Bahrain and Gulf stakeholders to network, share expertise and explore new business avenues. We will also host a major conference in partnership with AAOIFI, headquartered in Manama, to further deepen financial collaboration. How can GCC and OIC states collaborate with Tatarstan? Tatarstan is at the forefront of Russia’s relationship with the Islamic world. I have had the honour of leading the ‘Russia–Islamic World’ Strategic Vision Group since 2014. Our trade with OIC countries rose 38 percent last year, reaching USD7.8 billion. Yet, there is much more we can do. From engineering and agriculture to Islamic education and fintech, the fields are ripe for collaboration. We are also home to Russia’s only Bulgarian Islamic Academy, which is helping to train a new generation of Islamic scholars and leaders. What potential exists for energy cooperation with Bahrain? Tatarstan is one of Russia’s most important oilproducing regions. We combine traditional production with innovation, including refining heavy crude, developing eco-friendly fuels and exploring renewables like solar energy. Bahrain’s commitment to sustainable energy aligns closely with our efforts. We have welcomed the Bahraini Minister of Oil and Environment to Tatarstan’s Petrochemical Forum for three consecutive years. Our experience with mature oil fields and advanced recovery technologies is particularly relevant for Gulf producers managing late-stage fields. How is Tatarstan positioning itself as a destination for Middle Eastern tourists? Tourism is a strategic priority. In 2024, Tatarstan welcomed 4.4 million visitors. Kazan’s UNESCO-listed Kremlin remains our top attraction, but cities like Bolgar – where Islam was adopted in AD922 – are equally significant. The world’s largest printed Quran is housed there. We’re tailoring our tourism sector to meet ‘Muslim Friendly’ standards, training staff and enhancing services. Direct air links with Dubai and Sharjah have helped, and we hope to establish a route to Manama soon. Cultural familiarity and spiritual depth make our region particularly welcoming to Muslim travellers. What steps are being taken towards sustainable industrial development? Sustainability is embedded in our industrial agenda. We apply best available technologies at our oil refineries, increasing processing depth to nearly 100 percent and dramatically reducing waste. We are also scaling up biofuel production. Our companies understand that success today is not just measured in profits, but in how we protect the planet for future generations. By combining economic efficiency with environmental responsibility, we are showing that sustainable growth is both viable and necessary. What were the outcomes of the 2025 Russian Venture Forum? This year’s forum in Kazan, the 19th edition, attracted over 5,000 participants and 1,032 startup applications – a record number. The event fostered international cooperation and saw the signing of ten agreements focused on investment, education and tech transfer. It’s clear that Russia’s venture capital market is evolving, and we see tremendous potential for joint funds and startup incubation with Gulf nations. This is not only about capital, but about vision – we want to build ecosystems that support breakthrough innovation. Reflecting on your leadership, what achievements stand out? The people of Tatarstan are the best judges of my tenure, but I’m proud of how far we’ve come. We’ve become a recognised name globally. Our forums attract international stakeholders, our products are exported, and our expertise is respected. Events like the Universiade 2013, the FINA World Championships and last year’s BRICS Summit in Kazan have showcased our readiness to host the world. I owe much to my mentor, Mintimer Shaimiev, our republic’s first President, who laid the foundation during turbulent times. My mission has always been to protect his legacy and build on it. The Tatarstan you see today is the result of the collective effort of a resilient and forward-thinking population.
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