News
Artem Zdunov met with a delegation from Morocco on the sidelines of the KazanForum
At the KazanForum, a Mordovian delegation led by Artem Zdunov met with the leadership of the Islamic Center for the Development of Trade (Morocco). By the end of 2025, the Republic of Mordovia's trade turnover with countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation amounted to approximately $250 million, accounting for almost 40% of the region's total foreign trade. The republic's main exports are not raw materials, but high-value-added goods: railway cars, electrical and cable products, and pharmaceuticals.
Head of Mordovia Artem Zdunov and Head of the Volga‑Vyatka Main Directorate of the Bank of Russia Andrey Popov discussed issues related to the current economic situation in the republic during a meeting at the Russia–Islamic World: KazanForum international forum. The meeting was attended by Natalya Tarkayeva, First Deputy Chairperson of the Government of Mordovia, and Marat Sharifullin, Manager of the Branch — National Bank for the Republic of Tatarstan of the Volga‑Vyatka Main Directorate of the Bank of Russia.
KazanForum: Artem Zdunov held a meeting with the management of the holding company NOR GROUP
On May 14, Artem Zdunov met with the management of NOR GROUP Holding on the sidelines of the International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum." This group of companies specializes in, among other things, integrated solutions for urban infrastructure. The company's developments in the areas of "smart city" and urban improvement are in high demand.
At the KazanForum, Artem Zdunov, Head of Mordovia, held a working meeting with Mikhail Labudin, Director of the Association of Clusters, Technology Parks, and Special Economic Zones of Russia. The discussion focused on strategic partnerships, expanding cooperation, and increasing the region's investment potential. Mordovia is actively participating in the implementation of the national goals set by the President of Russia to achieve the country's technological sovereignty. For 10 years, Technopark Mordovia has ranked among the top 15 in the National Rating of Russian Technology Parks, prepared by the Association of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of the Russian Federation (AKIT RF) with the support of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia. In 2025, Technopark Mordovia became the leader in this rating.
Mordovia plans to expand trade with Islamic countries
On May 14, Artem Zdunov, Head of Mordovia, met with Yousef Hassan Halawi, Secretary General of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (Saudi Arabia), at the 17th International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum." The head of Mordovia emphasized that interaction with Islamic countries is of great importance to the republic. The geography of its partners has expanded: in addition to traditional cooperation with the CIS countries, Mordovia is working with Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.
KazanForum: Mordovian enterprises will develop cooperation with Kazan Helicopters
On May 14, a Mordovian delegation led by Artem Zdunov met with the management of Kazan Helicopters JSC on the sidelines of the Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum International Economic Forum. The head of Mordovia noted the importance of developing direct cooperation with leading enterprises in the domestic aviation industry and strengthening cooperative ties. Kazan Helicopters, a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters and part of Rostec State Corporation, is a flagship enterprise in the Russian mechanical engineering and aviation industry, boasting a rich history and high production standards.
Artem Zdunov, Head of Mordovia, leads the republic's delegation participating in the 17th International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World: Kazanforum" in 2026. Participation by representatives of Mordovia in the event has become traditional. The Mordovian delegation included representatives of government agencies, leading industrial and agricultural enterprises, and individual entrepreneurs.
Preferential lending for small and medium-sized businesses
A preferential lending program for SMEs operating in priority sectors will be in effect in 2026.
Who can participate?
- Legal entities and individual entrepreneurs whose OKVED (All-Russian Classifier of Economic Activities) corresponds to priority sectors (for at least 12 months).
- Newly established businesses (less than 12 months from registration) — provided their OKVED (All-Russian Classifier of Economic Activities) corresponds to priority sectors.
- Small technical companies (STC).
As part of the national project "International Cooperation and Export," Mordovia is actively supporting companies seeking to expand their presence in foreign markets. The Export Support Center of the Republic of Mordovia plays a key role in this process, helping companies find new partners and conclude lucrative contracts worldwide. In 2025, with the Center's support, industrial enterprises in the region participated in a series of significant international events. These events spanned both Russia and international markets, including Prodexpo 2025 (Moscow), Russia Halal Expo (Kazan), Food2China (Guangzhou, China), and PowerExpo Almaty 2025 (Almaty, Kazakhstan).
The Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Entrepreneurship of the Republic of Mordovia, together with the My Business Center, as part of the national project "Efficient and Competitive Economy," reports on the results of the SME.RF digital platform. In the first quarter of 2026, entrepreneurs in the republic received 28 support programs. The most popular programs included consulting services, microloans, training, and marketing. In total, the platform currently offers over 35 services for small and medium-sized businesses, including financial modeling, business plan preparation, and other tools.
The Russian Government signed an order to write off two-thirds of Mordovia's budget loan debt
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed an order to write off two-thirds of the budget loan debt owed to 21 regions, totaling over 114 billion rubles. Mordovia will be written off two-thirds of its budget loan debt, amounting to 1.3 billion rubles. This decision will ease the debt burden on the regions' budgets, support further improvements in the regional economy, and improve the quality of life for citizens.
New support measure for small technology companies (STCs)
If you are a STC, operate in a priority industry, and need funds to replenish your working capital, take advantage of the STC microloan from the Entrepreneurship Support Fund of the Republic of Mordovia. Important: An extract from the STC register is required to submit your application.