The Federation Council discussed expanding the powers of SEZ management companies and changing the model for working with residents

On December 9, the Federation Council Committees on Economic and Social Policy held a roundtable discussion on the development of advanced development areas in closed administrative-territorial entities (ZATOs) and special economic zones for technology innovation. The focus was on expanding the powers of management companies and adjusting the model for interacting with residents, which, according to the participants, should improve the effectiveness of tools that ensure technological sovereignty.

Mikhail Labudin, Director of the Association of Clusters, Technology Parks, and Special Economic Zones of Russia, recalled that discussions on improving legislation are ongoing: "The Association is working consistently with government agencies: on December 5, we discussed improving legislation on special economic zones at the Bureau of the Supreme Council of the United Russia Party and within the Expert Council for the Development of Preferential Regime Territories of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy, and today, we discussed it at the Federation Council under the auspices of the Committee on Economic Policy. "A number of the Association's proposals have already been implemented, including decisions on the production of ethyl alcohol for medicinal purposes within the SEZ and the possibility of using leased land plots as collateral for loans," he stated.

The issue of expanding the functions of management companies has generated significant interest. Tamara Rondaleva, General Director of the Saint Petersburg SEZ, noted that over two decades, the management company has developed competencies that allow it to participate in the financing of resident projects. "We know how to competently evaluate business projects, attract investors, build modern infrastructure, and create a strong image for the territory. This is a solid foundation for the further development of the SEZ instrument. If legislation allows management companies to invest in projects through the repayable mechanism of Resolution No. 1119, the effectiveness of public investment will significantly increase, as our zone's experience has already confirmed," she emphasized.

Victoria Khalimendik, Deputy General Director of the Dubna SEZ, noted that management companies effectively act as accelerators for small technology businesses. "Dubna Management Company provides companies with access to offices, production facilities, and land, provides business development consulting, and helps attract financing for technological sovereignty projects. Considering the contribution of management companies to achieving national goals, we propose including them in the Industrial Mortgage program as borrowers at a 3% rate, as well as establishing a reduced corporate income tax rate for them, similar to that for residents," she stated.

Following the discussion in the Federation Council, Mikhail Labudin noted that a package of new proposals has already been submitted to legislators. "We hope that, with the support of our esteemed legislators, our proposals will be considered next year and come into force," he concluded.