Hasan Khakimov: “We began to cooperate with Turkey actively”

Hasan Khakimov: “We began to actively cooperate with Turkey”

Interview by Timur Utsayev, Grozny. Exclusively to Vestnik Kavkaza

Chechnya and Turkey are actively developing economic contacts . There is a plan of cooperation which requires holding a Chechen economic forum in Turkey and a Turkish exhibition in Grzony. Recently a meeting between the Chechen government members and representatives of Turkish companies which are studying investment potential of the republic has taken place. The vice premier of Chechnya for investment policy, Hasan Khakimov, told Vestnik Kavkaza about results of the visit by the Turkish delegation.

-          Who represented the Turkish side?

-          The visit was organized by the chairman of the Center for Chechen-Turkish friendship of Sivas, Aihan Erguvenm, at our invitation. The delegation involved representatives of companies for producing furniture, spare car parts, and agricultural companies. They came to learn about our potential, consider opportunities for investment into the region’s economy, and watch our industrial facilities, agriculture. Our guests presented their projects which they really implement in Turkey.

-          When can investments, implementation of joint projects be expected?

-          There is a desire to invest into production of textiles and garments. In the near future one of potential investors wants to launch production and bring equipment; there is a request for a workspace. Representatives of the furniture industry are also ready to cooperation – there are projects which we consider. We are interested in investments into innovative spheres.

-          Why are you actively working with Turkish businessmen at the moment?

-          We began working with Turkey after our visit to the country. We have good contacts at the governmental and business levels. The Chechen delegation visited four industrially developed regions of the country. Meetings between representatives of business communities, Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Turkey were organized for extension of trade and economic partnership between Chechnya and Turkish regions.

We also work with the Arab Emirates and plan to visit Qatar in the near future. Our main goal is to improve the investment climate in the republic, first of all, by means of support of local small and medium business. We are aimed at attraction of both foreign and Russian investors to the republic.

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The Turkish delegation visited such enterprises as Elektropult-Grozny, Orgtekhnika, Automatstrom, the Berkat Garment Factory, and Chechenauto. The guests expressed interest in presented projects on establishing of special economic zones in Chechen towns and cities. According to local experts, Chechnya is working for the region would be perceived as a platform for Russian market development by foreign partners. Moreover, talks with the Turkish Minister of Education and heads of Turkish universities took place. Student exchange projects were discussed. Foundation of a Turkish-Chechen college in Grozny will be discussed in the near future.