"Daghestan: Open Business" entrepreneur forum is held in Moscow

Moscow, April 20, 2014. On April 18, the entrepreneur forum "Daghestan: Open Business" curated by Daghestan Permanent Mission at the Russian President took place in the Moscow government. The forum brought together Daghestan authorities and a number of Daghestan and Russian companies and small businesses.

Daghestani Head Ramazan Abdulatipov and participants to the video conference Daghestan Prime Minister Abdussamad Gamidov, Chief of the Staff and Head and Government Administration Ramazan Aliyev, First Vice Prime Minister Anatoly Karibov, Deputy Prime Minister Sharip Sharipov, Minister of Trade, Investment and Enterprise Yussup Umavov, and Minister of Economy and Territorial Development Rayudin Yussufov discussed the mechanisms of business cooperation of Daghestan with other Russian regions.

They noted that Daghestan, having a considerable potential in this area, has for many years been in isolation, developed without cooperating with its neighbors. "We are hopeful that as a result of our collaboration, Daghestan will become an active industrial platform. This is the key to successful economic development. And I hope that today, we will be able to create a "roadmap" for business development in Daghestan including the work of the "Our Daghestan" trading house,"  said Daghestani Deputy Prime Minister, Permanent Daghestan Representative at the Russian President Alexander Ermoshkin, opening the forum.

Ramazan Abdulatipov pointed out the importance of economic integration, noting that the real help in developing Daghestan can come from Daghestan businesses even those working outside the republic.

Speaking to entrepreneurs, he focused on the need to implement small projects in individual districts and villages, "In the current climate, only our countrymen can help Daghestan. I appeal to your patriotism. Today, everyone who invests in Daghestan is guided by patriotism realizing that we need to develop up-to-date production in the republic. It’s important to establish domestic production. It’s socially critical. We welcome businessmen willing to invest their large capital. Russian President has signed a guarantee of providing RUR 20 billion a year within 5 years. It means that we can attract foreign investment, too. Welcome to Daghestan."

During the discussion, entrepreneurs voiced their interest and willingness to participate in projects related to building small hydropower plants. In this connection, Ramazan Abdulatipov said there is a special program in this area. Anyone willing to invest their funds and expertise in developing hydropower can participate in it.

Summing up the meeting, Ramazan Abdulatipov reiterated, "Daghestan needs joint projects. Businesses need space, and we need to expand it together. Today, Daghestan seeks to actively interact with other regions. We and Stavropol region have agreed to open a chain of stores selling products produced in our regions. Also, we have an agreement on establishing centers of traditional culture as well as building a new road between Daghestan and Stavropol region."