Category: Russian Economy

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The Ministry of Economic Development of Russia sent to the Government report on the results of the work of special economic zones for 2024. Such analysis is carried out annually in accordance with the rules for assessing the effectiveness of the functioning of the SEZ, approved by the Government.

The overall efficiency indicator was 90% (the functioning of the SEZ is considered effective if the overall calculated indicator is 80%).

"In recent years, the number of SEZs in the country has increased significantly. New territories with a preferential regime have already been included in the rating, but have not yet reached full capacity. At the same time, residents are actively entering the "young" SEZs, expanding production and investing, creating highly paid jobs. Thus, the lion's share of all investments in the SEZ in 2024 were provided by territories created in 2020-2022. It is important that businesses are increasing investments in the development of new technologies – R&D costs have grown by almost 60% and exceeded 35 billion rubles. This means that even in difficult conditions, companies continue to search for and implement innovative solutions, update products and develop new markets," said Deputy Minister of Economic Development Svyatoslav Sorokin.

According to the assessment results, the leaders in terms of efficiency for 2024 were industrial production zones in the Samara Region (Tolyatti), the Republic of Tatarstan (Alabuga), Moscow Region (Stupino Kvadrat), Ivanovo Region (Ivanovo), Lipetsk Region (Lipetsk), and Kaluga Region (Kaluga).

"Special economic zones remain one of the most effective instruments of state support for investors. Last year, residents invested more than 1.2 trillion rubles in projects, which is twice as much as the year before. Over 25 thousand new jobs were created, which is 40% more than in 2023. These results confirm that businesses are comfortable working in SEZ conditions: these are tax and customs preferences, ready-made infrastructure, administrative support and reduced costs for connecting to resources. All this makes SEZ sites growth points and attractive for long-term investments," Svyatoslav Sorokin emphasized.

"Business investments are new high-tech production facilities, jobs, and taxes that we direct to the development of the social sphere and improving the quality of life of our citizens. And the special economic zone "Togliatti" with its opportunities and preferences is an effective tool for attracting private investment, a key growth point. The development of the capacities of the SEZ "Togliatti" will contribute to the development of the regional economy and increase the competitiveness of the region in the investment arena," said the Governor of the Samara Region Vyacheslav Fedorishchev.

"Of course, the preferences of the special economic zone play an important role when an investor chooses a location – these are both tax benefits and ready-made infrastructure. For us, the SEZ in Baikalsk has become part of the important work to create a new environmentally friendly business format on the former industrial site," said Igor Kobzev, Governor of the Irkutsk Region. He also noted that there is currently a high interest from investors in the SEZ, in connection with which the regional authorities are preparing documents for the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation to expand the preferential regime zone.

"The Saint Petersburg Special Economic Zone annually confirms its effectiveness, taking places in the top three special economic zones of the technology implementation type. We are the leader in the volume of tax deductions from our residents to the country's budget system. This makes a significant contribution to the high assessment of our work. Over 19 years of operation, two operating sites of the SEZ have already brought Saint Petersburg 135 billion rubles in investments, almost 8 thousand jobs and about 29 billion rubles in tax deductions. The city sees the effect for Saint Petersburg and is interested in scaling up the project," said Tamara Rondaleva, General Director of JSC Saint Petersburg Special Economic Zone.

The efficiency assessment was carried out based on 25 quantitative indicators, as well as six calculated metrics, including: the performance of residents, the profitability of investments from budgets at all levels in the infrastructure of the zones, the efficiency of management bodies, the quality of planning during the creation of the SEZ, and the contribution to the achievement of national development goals defined by the May decree of the President of the Russian Federation.

Every year new production facilities are opened in the territory of special economic zones. In 2024 alone, several socially significant and high-tech projects began operating at once.

The production of televisions under the GigaFactory brand has started in the Novgorodskaya SEZ — this is the first and only enterprise of its kind in the region. The plant produces “smart” televisions based on a domestic operating system, which makes the project an important element of import substitution.

On the territory of the SEZ "Lotus", the company "Rybnye Korma" launched the first stage of the plant for the production of feed for industrial aquaculture – sturgeon, catfish, trout, salmon, sea bass and dorado. The production is focused on domestic raw materials, and the volume of feed production today is up to 25 thousand tons per year.

The Krasnogorsky dairy plant has started operating in the Orenburg SEZ. The processing capacity is up to 150 tons of milk per day, the range is more than 50 types of dairy and fermented milk products. The products are supplied not only to retail chains in the Orenburg Region and neighboring regions, but also to Kazakhstan and China.

The Petexpert plant, specializing in the production of high-quality pet food from natural raw materials, has opened in the Lipetsk SEZ. The enterprise produces up to 20 thousand tons of dry food per year and is developing regional exports.

On the territory of the SEZ PPT "Alga" in Bashkortostan, the company "Azimut" launched an innovative plant for the production of road paint and cold plastic for marking. The production is located in the industrial park "Ufimsky" and is equipped with a modern laboratory and lines. The products are used in the implementation of federal and regional programs for the construction of transport infrastructure.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

China has been Russia's leading trading partner for over 10 years. Despite global market fluctuations and sanctions pressure, bilateral cooperation continues to strengthen, showing significant positive results. This was stated by Dmitry Volvach, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia, during the plenary session of the fifth Russian-Chinese Forum on Interregional Cooperation, which was held as part of the ninth Russian-Chinese EXPO in parallel with the INNOPROM industrial exhibition in Yekaterinburg. In total, the Russian-Chinese portfolio includes more than 80 investment projects worth more than $200 billion.

According to the Federal Customs Service of Russia and the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, in 2024, trade turnover between the countries reached a historical maximum, increasing by 7.5%. In January-April 2025, these figures will remain the same. "On the instructions of the presidents of our countries, by 2030, our goal is to scale the volume of mutual trade to 300 billion dollars. In this regard, we are actively working to implement the Russian-Chinese Economic Cooperation Plan until 2030," Dmitry Volvach emphasized.

In recent years, Russian-Chinese cooperation has reached a new level, thanks to the large-scale implementation of infrastructure projects, especially in the energy and transport and logistics sectors. Among the largest infrastructure projects of Russia and China, the Deputy Minister named the construction of two gas complexes in the village of Ust-Luga in the Leningrad Region, which will produce up to 144 million tons of liquefied natural gas by 2035. More than 120 cooperation agreements have been concluded between Russian regions and Chinese provinces. In 2024, 311 joint events were held, and in 2025 – already 96. A list of 86 joint projects worth $ 201 billion has been approved. Among the key ones are the creation of the Bely Rast terminal and logistics complex in the Moscow Region and the development of the Dry Port in the Sverdlovsk Region.

The Deputy Minister emphasized the great tourism potential of Russia and China. In the first quarter of 2025, the total tourist flow increased by 20%. To further increase it, the visa regime is being simplified: it is planned to increase the period of stay with an electronic visa from 16 to 30 days. Work is also underway to reduce the minimum composition of a tourist group from five to three people and increase the visa-free period from 15 to 21 days.

Russia is actively promoting tourism products under the Discover Russia brand, and the restoration of air traffic is contributing to the growth of passenger traffic. “We are confident that in the near future we will reach pre-pandemic indicators and reach new heights,” Dmitry Volvach emphasized.

The world's first cross-border cable car between Khabarovsk and Heihe, which will open in 2026, will also be a significant infrastructure project. Zhang Hanhui, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Russia, in his welcoming address to the forum participants, noted: "In recent years, the mechanism of cooperation between the regions of Russia and China has been continuously improved. Recently, the fifth meeting of the Yangtze-Volga Regional Cooperation Council and the meeting of the co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Commission on Cooperation between Northeast China and the Russian Far East were successfully held in Russia. Exchanges between regional delegations of the two countries have become closer, and interaction between enterprises is developing according to the principle of "mutual striving to meet halfway."

The forum was also attended by Deputy Governor of the Sverdlovsk Region Vasily Kozlov, Vice Governor of Heilongjiang Province Han Shengjian, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Republic of Tatarstan Oleg Korobchenko, Deputy Secretary General of the People's Government of Liaoning Province Sun Wei, Deputy Governor of the Tomsk Region Vasily Potemkin, President of OPORA RUSSIA Alexander Kalinin and Vice President of Xuanyuan Corporation Jiao Jian.

"We expect that joint work within the Forum and other events of the EXPO business program will contribute to the accelerated development of interregional cooperation between Russia and China, because interregional cooperation is the basis for further development of mutual trade, entails mutual cooperation in the market of production, investment and tourism resources. Together, we continue to do one big thing – we strive to create all the necessary conditions for the formation of a fair and multipolar world order, strengthening stability and security," Dmitry Volvach summed up.

Representatives of 35 Russian regions and over 300 Chinese companies took part in the forum. Businessmen and heads of government bodies from 18 Chinese provinces arrived in Russia.

The EXPO business program included discussions on issues of scientific and technical sphere, trade and investment, support of export and urban environment, development of medicine, as well as youth business cooperation. During the INNOPROM exhibition, a contact exchange on key areas of cooperation was held.

The INNOPROM exhibition was attended by delegations of business circles and government bodies from more than 50 countries. National expositions were presented by Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, China, India and others.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

A meeting of heads of tourism administrations of the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was held in the Chinese city of Qingdao, during which Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia Dmitry Vakhrukov noted that direct air traffic between Russia and the SCO states exceeds 1,000 flights weekly.

"The number of direct flights increases every year. Today, the number of flights is already quite significant. Almost 1,000 flights a week between Russia and the SCO countries. At the same time, there is still potential for increasing the number of flights with other SCO countries and expanding the geography of flights between the cities of our countries," Dmitry Vakhrukov said in his speech.

During the meeting, participants also discussed issues of promoting tourism potential, introducing an electronic visa and expanding air traffic.

According to the Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia, in 2024, the volume of tourist flow between Russia and the SCO countries exceeded 11 million trips, which is 47% more than in 2023. Positive dynamics continue in the current year: in the first quarter of 2025, about 2 million trips were made, which is 28% higher than the same period last year.

"It is typical that the tourist flow is balanced: the number of Russians visiting the SCO countries is approximately equal to the number of tourists from these countries coming to Russia. The growth of tourist flow is largely due to the favorable visa regime. Most SCO countries, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, have visa-free agreements with Russia. The mechanism of visa-free group trips, which is already in effect with China and Iran, is developing successfully. In the future, a similar scheme may be launched with India. An additional convenience for foreign tourists is the possibility of obtaining a single electronic visa, available to citizens of 64 countries. It is expected that the positive dynamics of tourist exchange between Russia and the SCO countries will continue in the future," Dmitry Vakhrukov emphasized.

During the meeting of the heads of tourism administrations of the SCO member states, flagship investment projects in the tourism industry, new trends in tourism development in the countries of the organization and prospects for cooperation, including on issues of promoting tourism potential and the use of digital technologies in the tourism sector, were also discussed.

Thus, to date, a catalog with more than 30 attractive tourist investment projects has been formed. The total portfolio of projects amounted to more than 15 billion US dollars. These are ski, sea, balneological and health resorts, sports and tourist complexes. Also, a catalog of tourist routes in Russia for foreign tourists Time to travel is already ready. It includes tours in 12 regions of the country. Excursions are conducted only by professional, accredited guides.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Nine regions of the country have summed up the results of the regional stages of the federal program "Mom-entrepreneur", aimed at supporting women with minor children or on maternity leave. Participants received grants in the amount of 150 thousand rubles to implement their projects.

"For 13 years now, the "Mom-entrepreneur" program has been giving women the opportunity to successfully start a business. This year, the program is only gaining momentum: regional stages will be held in 59 more regions, with about 3.5 thousand women taking part. It is also planned to implement individual thematic tracks," noted Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia Tatyana Ilyushnikova.

The program continues to inspire not only the participants, but also those who have already achieved success. Thus, within the framework of the forum of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives "Strong Ideas for a New Time", the partner and ambassador of the "Mom-entrepreneur" program, the finalist of the "Index of Business" rating, the co-founder of the cosmetics company ESTILAB Irina Amosova spoke about her business during a meeting with the President of Russia Vladimir Putin. Irina's company is a recipient of various support measures, from a place in a coworking space to R&D subsidies. This example shows how support at the start helps women scale up projects and bring them to the federal level. At this year's program, Irina will tell the participants how to grow their business within the legal framework, build long-term strategies, build environmentally friendly relationships with business partners and what to get inspired by.

At the regional stages, participants undergo an intensive course from certified trainers of the My Business Centers. During the week of training, they master key aspects of entrepreneurship, including business planning, marketing strategies, and ways to attract clients. The program also includes mentoring sessions with successful businessmen and individual consultations. In the final, mother-entrepreneurs defend their projects in front of experts, and the best of them receive grant support.

In 2025, the program underwent changes — now, when selecting, preference is given to projects aimed at developing key sectors of the economy. An example of such a business direction was the project of the winner from the Leningrad Region, Lyubov Pershina — a 3D printing studio. Her company produces components for industry and the automotive industry, and also creates souvenirs, toys and interior items.

"Participation in the program gave me an exchange of experience with interesting people. I have already opened a 3D printing and 3D modeling studio. Our advantage is high quality and precision. We make exclusive solutions!" – said Lyubov Pershina.

Inga Ankhimova became the winner of the regional stage in the Republic of Karelia. She won with the project "Ekovetvi" – a workshop for creating furniture and decor from living twigs. After receiving a subsidy and training at the Center "My Business", the woman was able to turn her hobby into a successful business. The participant dedicated her victory to her son, who will soon go to serve in the army.

"This business is love at first sight. Last year the program seemed scary, but now I am proud of my work and want to develop further," shared Inga Ankhimova.

Participants in the regional stages of the "Mama-Entrepreneur" program present projects in various business areas. For example, in the Rostov Region, Yulia Naumenko is developing the production of forged designer furniture "Aze le Rido", Alena Patrikeyeva is launching the toy factory "Dzhunto", Irina Chekulaeva – the production of raw-pressed oils "Davil". Professional dog handler Maryana Chernichkina presented an interesting project – a grooming studio and puppy school "Chernika".

The average age of female entrepreneurs is 33–40 years old, most of them are raising two children. These examples clearly demonstrate how the program helps mothers implement business ideas, combining entrepreneurship with caring for their families. The federal program "Mom-entrepreneur" is included in the list of tools of the national project "Efficient and Competitive Economy". You can find out the dates of the regional stage and apply for participation in the program on the website mamapredprinimatel.rf.

Organizer: Ministry of Economic Development of Russia

Operator – National Agency "My Business"

General partner – accounting for business "My business"

Partners — Wildberries, ESTILAB ICON SKIN

Partner bank – SBER

Grantor – Our Future Foundation

With the support of the Union of Women of Russia Product partners – VK, MIF

Information partners: 7Dney.ru and the monthly magazine “Caravan of Stories”.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

.