Establishment of the International Association of SEZs of the BRICS countries will facilitate localization of production facilities
The Ministry of Economic Development of Russia and the Association of Clusters, Technoparks and SEZs of Russia (ACTP RF) are creating the International Association of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) of the BRICS countries. This was announced at the fourth meeting of the Russian-Chinese Permanent Working Group on Interregional and cross-border cooperation and special economic zones.
Dmitry Volvach, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, stressed that relations between Russia and China continue to develop steadily, and the Russian-Chinese Working Group plays an important role in this development. This working group serves as a valuable tool for strengthening regional cooperation, especially in the field of trade and economic relations.
"We focus on the development of trade and economic relations between the regions of Russia and China. This step is aimed at further strengthening mutually beneficial ties and creating new business and investment opportunities. In addition, today there is an initiative to create an International association of SEZs of the BRICS countries. The creation of the SEZ Association is another evidence of Russia and China's commitment to strengthening economic cooperation and promoting regional integration. This association will become an important platform for the exchange of best practices, attracting investments and promoting sustainable economic development in the BRICS countries," Dmitry Volvach said.
Nikita Kondratiev, Director of the Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, also spoke at the meeting, who presented the draft of the International Association of SEZs of the BRICS countries.
"The Ministry of Economic Development of Russia, together with the AKIT of the Russian Federation, has launched an initiative to create an International Association. The Association's work will focus on such important tasks as: joining forces to assist in the implementation of investment projects in the territory of the SEZ of the BRICS countries, joint development and implementation of common standards, methodologies and effective models of territorial management with the preferential treatment of the BRICS countries," Nikita Kondratiev said.
Mikhail Labudin, Director of the ACTP of the Russian Federation, noted that the Association will create a single platform for exchanging information, developing common approaches and assisting businesses in localization of production, which will simplify localization procedures, harmonize regulation and build new chains of cooperation between countries. The ACTP of the Russian Federation will promote the development of territories with preferential treatment, help businesses locate industrial facilities and build logistics chains between participating countries.
He also spoke about the activities of the Association and stressed that it is aimed at simplifying the localization of production, developing sustainable territories with preferential treatment and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
"ACTP of the Russian Federation has been actively cooperating internationally since December 2023, including with the Green Partnership of Industrial Parks in China (GPIPC). The parties share their experience in the management and regulation of SEZs and industrial parks," the Director of the Association added.
In the final resolution of the meeting, the parties agreed to exchange views on the implementation of China's experience in creating bonded zones, cross-border and interregional cooperation in trade, economic and investment spheres, as well as cooperation in the field of customs clearance and logistics.