15 March 1999
DAILY REVIEW FROM TATARSTAN
Mercedes Bus Makers In Kazan Looking For Partner
Tatarstan's minister of economy and industry, Rafis Burganov, met with Mercedes-Benz representatives on 11 March in Kazan, the republican press reported. Talks centered on possible cooperation between Tatarstan's auto plants and Mercedes in producing large and medium-sized buses. The head of the Mercedes delegation, Kurz Jorgan, noted during the meeting that Tatarstan is one of several possible strategic partners for his company in Russia, including some in the Moscow and Samara regions.
Republic Adopts Jobs Program
Tatarstan's Cabinet of Ministers adopted a republican employment program for 1999-2000, the Cabinet of Ministers' press center reported on 15 March. The program will promote the tax concessions and other favorable terms available to enterprises that invest in Tatarstan and thereby create new jobs and support small businesses across the republic. Special funds will also be provided for retraining centers for the unemployed, including decomissioned military personnel and their families.
Ak Bars Bank License Unfrozen
Tatarstan's Ak Bars Bank successfully reclaimed its license for operations with stocks, the republican press reports. The Central Bank of Russia froze the license on 28 October, reportedly because of a decision by the control commissions of the Russian Central Bank and Tatarstan's National Bank. Bank representatives said that Ak Bars Bank has also obtained a license to trade in precious metals.
Y2K Problem Prevention Center Established In Kazan
A joint venture of ICL and the Kazan Computer Systems Company was authorized by the Russian Ministry of Communications and Information to provide feedback and technical support on resolving the millenium bug problem in Tatarstan and its neighboring republics.
Compiled by Iskender Nurmi