I. Metshin: "Kazan continues to grow thanks to the strength of the reserve, gained in "fat" years"

(Kazan City KZN.RU, March 21). The city was able avoid sharp downturn in the economy largely thanks to the fact that in the past years large enterprises in the city have developed well ahead. Such an opinion was expressed by the Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin at a Business Monday in the Executive Committee of the city.

The Chairman of the Committee for Economic Development of the Executive Committee of Kazan Ildar Shakirov reported on the main indicators of socio-economic development of the city. He recalled that 2015 began in conditions of uncertainty, during the year we had to confront serious economic challenges. External factors have formed a number of restrictions for both organizations and for the population. For example, cost of credit sharply increased, requirements for collateral have tightened, and the weakening of the ruble caused a rise in prices for imported components, equipment and consumer goods. "This are still a whole series of directions, where the economy of Kazan managed not only to maintain the level of 2014, but also get a plus, - said I.Shakirov. - The main macroeconomic indicator - gross territorial product - estimated in the amount of 604.3 billion rubles by the end of 2015, which in absolute terms is by almost 39 billion rubles more than in 2014, and at constant prices - 100%".

"We can say that the year was not easy, we note the drop in some sectors of the economy for the first time - I. Metshin said. - But in the context of the political situation that has developed, and the sanctions that are imposed on the country, it is not necessary to wait for another. But we continue to work; the main industry continues to evolve. This is largely due to our large companies, which gained a large margin in the "fat years". And the President of our republic has worked to attract investment, technology. Now we see the results of this work - Kazan continues to evolve and finds new ways to grow", - I. Metshin said.

Under these circumstances the development of small and medium businesses has special importance. Over the past year the number of SMB has increased - they became 200 more than in the previous year. In a small business a third of the working population of the city is occupied, it is about 182 thousand people. Turnover of small enterprises amounted to an estimated 424 billion rubles, and increased by 20 billion. All this, according to I.Shakirov, allowed SMB to generate 37% of the gross territorial product of the city and one-fifth of the tax revenue in the city treasury, which is, by the way, 1.8 billion rubles. Mayor of Kazan stressed that enhanced business support measures should start working as soon as possible. "We have to adhere to the agreements strictly and preferably be ahead of the schedule that we set for ourselves. Small and medium businesses need our help more than ever. The set of measures should be implemented not by the end of the year, but now", - I. Metshin said.

One of the most important indicators of development of the city is improvement of the investment climate. 169.7 billion rubles were attracted in Kazan's economy over the past year. In terms of investment in fixed assets, as well as on the volume of construction works, the city occupies a leading position among Russian cities.

I.Shakirov added that the retail trade turnover amounted to 446 billion rubles, and catering turnover - 18.8 billion rubles. According to these indicators Kazan ranked second and third among Russian megacities respectively.

"It is important that the leading international rating agency “Fitch Ratings CIS Ltd.”affirmed the ratings of Kazan at BB-, stable outlook", - the chairman of the Committee for Economic Development reported.