Russia Expands SEZs Across Border Regions
The Russian government expanded the special economic zone (SEZ) regime to cover the entire territories of Belgorod, Bryansk, and Kursk regions, aiming to boost investment and job creation in manufacturing and agriculture.
Consensus
- The special economic zone (SEZ) regime has been extended to the entire territories of Belgorod, Bryansk and Kursk regions.
- New SEZ residents can be entrepreneurs planning investment projects in processing industry and agriculture.
- The expansion aims to attract over 200 billion rubles in total investments and create around 4,000 new jobs.
- The decision was announced by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on August 11 during an operational meeting with deputy prime ministers.
- The SEZ regime was previously applied only to certain districts in these regions.
- Investment requirements for new projects in the expanded zone are set at a minimum of 1 billion rubles.
- Existing SEZ residents must invest at least 3 million rubles and retain 80% of their workforce from Q1 2023.
Points of divergence
- President Vladimir Putin signed the law on SEZs in border regions in June 2024, and the regime is also in place in Crimea, Rostov, Voronezh, Belgorod, Bryansk, and Kурсk regions. — vedomosti
- In June of this year, the president signed a law simplifying SEZ participation in new regions including DPR, LNR, Zaporozhye, and Kherson regions. — vedomosti
- A key change allows capital repair to be included directly in investment projects, removing the need to prove improved economic indicators. — vedomosti
- In Bryansk region, seven new investment projects worth 18.2 billion rubles are planned, creating over 700 new jobs. — vedomosti
Coverage (4 sources)
- Government expanded the SEZ regime in Belgorod, Bryansk, and Kursk regions — Коммерсантъ
- Authorities expanded the SEZ regime to the entire territory of the border regions — Ведомости
- Free economic zone regime extended to the entire territory of Belgorod, Bryansk and Kursk regions — Правительство России
- Authorities extended a free economic zone to three border regions — Коммерсантъ