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.

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 oil-producing 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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