14 July 2005
DAILY REVIEW FROM TATARSTAN
Tatar President Inaugurates New Entertainment Facilities In His Home Region
President Mintimer Shaimiev told reporters in his home Aqtanysh region on 12 July that Tatarstan's increased attention to regional social infrastructure is a sign of the republic's development, RFE/RL's Kazan bureau reported the same day. Shaimiev inaugurated the opening ceremony of a renovated cultural and sports center and also laid the cornerstone of a 750-seat "ice palace" stadium. The two projects, which cost an estimated $300,000 and $30 million, respectively, are funded by Tatneft.
Kazan Government Slammed For "Sabotaging" Housing Program
Tatarstan's government is threatening to stop providing mortgage funds for a housing program in Kazan and use the funds in other cities of the republic, Teglget Abdullin, director of the state housing fund said on 12 July, the Volga-Urals edition of "Kommersant-Daily" reported the next day. Abdullin claimed that the city administration is sabotaging the current composition of lists of the program's participants due to its transparency. Abdullin also warned Mayor Kamil Iskhakov that the failure of the mortgage program could influence the outcome of the municipal elections this fall.
Minister Says Russian WTO Entry Would Not Undermine Tatar Exports
Russia's possible entry into the World Trade Organization would not negatively influence Tatartsan's exports, 70 percent of which consist of oil and oil products, minister of trade and foreign economic cooperation Khafiz Salikhov said during a seminar held by the republic's Trade Industrial Chamber and the World Trade Center of Geneva, Switzerland. Salikhov said Russian WTO entry would increase the country's attractiveness to investors, but added that it would be important to ensure the equal status of Tatar producers on the world market.
Compiled by Iskender Nurmi
DAILY REVIEW FROM BASHKORTOSTAN
Federal Agency Cites Growth Of Industry
Bashkortostan's territorial branch of the Federal Statistics Service announced on 12 July that the growth rate of the republic's medium and major industrial companies was 4.7 percent in the first half of 2005. The hike largely resulted from developments in the mineral industry, and the processing, production, and distribution of gas and water, REGNUM reported the same day.
Compiled by Iskender Nurmi