Sergey Maiorov: "The myth that in Russia they only know how to tighten bolts needs to be dispelled."

      In Kazan, an exhibition of achievements titled "Made in Tatarstan" has opened with the participation of about 100 companies from the republic.

      Photo: Real Time

      The Kazan "Ansat" in the AURUS modification, the armored medical all-terrain vehicle "Linza" from the Chelny-based "Remdizel", a snow-white hydrogen-powered boat, and halal whey from MLK Group — these are the eye-catching highlights at the Tatarstan achievements exhibition, timed to coincide with the Russia-ASEAN summit, which will open in Kazan on Wednesday. Currently, Tatarstan's foreign trade turnover with ASEAN countries is modest — amounting to $241 million by the end of 2025, and it is expected to grow through the export of transport and halal products. "There is a stereotype abroad that nothing is produced in Russia, and that we only know how to screw in nuts. This myth needs to be dispelled," noted Sergey Mayorov, head of the RT engineering cluster, in a conversation with "Real Time." However, the exhibition also features many interesting items from the IT industry, healthcare, and even an unusual cheese-ripening refrigerator from POZIS.

      "Why do we want to expand exports to Kazakhstan and Belarus? They recognize our certificates."

      On the first day, the "Made in Tatarstan" achievements exhibition was accessible to a limited circle of guests, as is customary at large-scale events. Visitors were admitted only with a special badge — paper wristbands were handed out at the entrance to the outdoor part of the exhibition in the square next to the renovated Central Department Store. Here, under the scorching sun, about 30 samples of modern technology assembled at the republic's enterprises were on display. To the right stood the light helicopter "Ansat" with domestic VK-650V engines. "All foreign components have been replaced on the helicopter, including the control system, which integrates a domestic autopilot that allows for flights day and night, even in challenging weather conditions," representatives of KVZ told journalists. A little further was a snow-white boat powered by hydrogen fuel cells, assembled at the Gorky plant in Zelenodolsk.

      Dinar Fatyhov / realnoevremya.ru

      Central to the exhibition were samples of agricultural machinery from two manufacturers — "Tatagrohimservice" and "KazanSelMash." Both aim to establish exports to CIS countries, particularly Kazakhstan and Belarus. The resident of the Aznakayevo industrial park, the company "Shpiz Wolf," has similar ambitions. Its co-founder Ildar Sunagatov brought a trailer-caravan equipped with a shower, toilet, air conditioning, heating, and refrigerator.

      "Why do we want to expand exports to Kazakhstan and Belarus? No, it's not that these markets are growing rapidly. The main reason is that the certificates for our vehicles are recognized in these Customs Union countries, allowing us to supply to these countries without issues. European markets are currently closed, although we used to supply products to Germany. Now our European certificates do not work there, and given the sanctions, this is even more relevant," he explained. It is also noted that 14 foreign delegations are expected to arrive at the Russia-ASEAN summit, including the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and the Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Nurlan Ermekbaev. Tatarstan's transport manufacturers are looking forward to discussing this issue.

      What myths hinder manufacturers from entering new markets

      The outdoor exhibition featured the electric car "Atom," a range of passenger vehicles from "Sollers," and buses "Raritek" and "Nefaz." Among the civil machinery stood out an all-terrain vehicle in khaki with a red cross. The Chelny-based "Remdizel" brought a medical vehicle "Linza" on a KamAZ chassis. This vehicle is used to evacuate the wounded in the special military operation zone. "It is especially often exported to African countries, where clashes frequently occur," said a representative of the company's foreign economic service.

      Dinar Fatyhov / realnoevremya.ru

      The second part of the exhibition of RT enterprises' achievements was located indoors. Here, new miniature samples could be seen. KVZ showcased the Mi-38. "Our main task is to draw attention to our competencies and negotiate with contractors and industry ministers. So they can see that we have the highest degree of localization, that we do everything ourselves," Sergey Mayorov, head of the RT engineering cluster, told "Real Time." "To be honest, there is a myth in other countries that Russia doesn't do anything on its own, only screws in nuts and re-labels tags. This myth exists, and it needs to be dispelled," he said.

      Mikhail Zakharov / realnoevremya.ru

      Meetings of leaders at the highest level help promote projects. "Until the presidents of the two countries meet, that is, until the signatures are finally put down, it is difficult to enter foreign markets," he noted. But more and more countries require localization at the place of presence, so one must be ready to enter industrial parks. "Of course, we need to increase production volumes because as the volume of production scales up, the cost price begins to fall. If we engage in this, we will become more competitive in international markets. Our task is to help enterprises increase their sales volumes."

      Halal milk for Vietnam and Indonesia

      The agricultural exhibition featured 6 companies that, to varying degrees, work with ASEAN countries or are starting to build export-import relationships, said Rustem Gainullin, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food of RT. Under the banner of Tatarstan were stands from a vegetable oil producer, the Yemshanov holding, and a producer of drinks from grape seeds. These enterprises have Halal certificates.

      Maxim Platonov / realnoevremya.ru

      The export of the agro-industrial complex of RT is expected to reach $539.4 million by the end of 2025. Of this, halal products account for $345 million. Of the 11 countries in ASEAN, relationships have been established with Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

      Tatarstan's agrarians are shipping grain to Indonesia, while Malaysia purchases a wide range of products. Vietnam has started importing whey — 312 tons have been shipped since the beginning of the year. Negotiations are currently underway for the supply of whey to the Philippines. The high demand for dairy product exports is explained by the fact that Islamic countries lack sufficient supplies to fully meet their needs. In these states, whey is processed into a final product ready for consumption. Additionally, an agreement was signed at the Kazan Forum for the supply of finished products to Malaysia.

      The foreign trade turnover of Tatarstan with ASEAN countries is expected to reach $241 million by the end of 2025. Over the past 4 years, trade volumes have increased by 37.6%. The basis of exports consists of vehicles, industrial equipment, tools, and petrochemical products. In the structure of imports, chemical products, rubber, plastics, and equipment prevail.

      Dinar Fatyhov / realnoevremya.ru

      "Tatarstan is a bridge between Russia and Southeast Asia, facilitated by regular meetings of politicians and businessmen at the International Economic Forum "Russia — Islamic World." The forum remains one of the most important platforms for interaction because among ASEAN countries are Islamic states, namely Malaysia and Indonesia. It should be noted that this forum increases interest in ASEAN. The popularity and recognition of our platform have contributed to the intensity of visits by high-profile guests to Russia. Following the Islamic forum, export contracts for whey to ASEAN countries emerged," noted the RT Investment Development Agency. The key topic of negotiations will be Islamic finance. Malaysia is among the leading countries in Islamic finance, and they have a very strong certifying body. Islamic finance, medicine, education, tourism, and again engineering, shipbuilding, petrochemicals — these are the key topics for discussion at the summit.

      Luiza Ignatieva