Radiy Khabirov: Special Economic Zone gives us new opportunities

The Head of Bashkortostan Radiy Khabirov commented on the decision of the Russian Government to create a special economic zone "Alga" in the territory of Ishimbaysky and Sterlitamaksky regions.

"It was a challenging story, a lot of work. Almost a year has passed from the moment the idea was born until the signing of the resolution", the Head of the Region noted.

The "Alga" SEZ comprising of 470 hectares, is a rather large territory located in Ishimbaysky and Sterlitamaksky regions. It is successfully divided into four sections, where it is possible to make cluster-type zones — to develop petrochemical chemistry, mechanical engineering, or light industry.

"Thus, we allow investors to find the point of application that they need. The "Alga" zone gives us new opportunities. We have chosen this territory for a reason as it has good engineering infrastructure, quite large energy sources, access to two federal highways, the railway. The responsibilities of the republic include the preparation of the rest of the infrastructure, gas supply, and water discharge. This is a total of 6 billion rubles," said the Head of Bashkortostan.

One of the factors in the decision by the Russian Government was the presence of residents and investors ready to work in the SEZ. The republic has already signed agreements with seven anchor residents for a total amount of 26 billion rubles. Another 11 investors with a total investment of about 40 billion rubles are in the process of development.

Three large industrial cities are concentrated there: Ishimbay, Salavat, Sterlitamak with developed engineering infrastructure, human resources, scientific infrastructure, a large number of labor resources.

"Already now, we are starting designing, solving all issues to fill the territory as quickly as possible. In general, my dream is like that. In three or four years, there will be thousands of production facilities and new enterprises. I assure you - they will be there", said Radiy Khabirov.

There are 33 SEZs operating in Russia: 15 industrial-production, 7 technical-innovative, 10 tourist-recreational, and one port.