KazanForum proposes to develop digital map of BRICS+ special economic zones

The creation of a digital map of all special economic zones (SEZs) of the BRICS+ countries may simplify investors' access to information on territories with preferential business regimes and conditions of business location. This was announced by Nikita Kondratyev, Director of the Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, at the XVI International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum".

He spoke at the session "International Association of BRICS SEZ: a platform for the development of multilateral economic cooperation between Russia and the OIC".

"This digital map will be available to anyone interested in entering the markets of Egypt, Russia, China, India, and other countries. An investor will be able, conventionally speaking, to click on the ‘Egypt’ button and get full information about all SEZs of this country – with all the conditions and peculiarities. The map will provide information on the specialisation of the zones, participating companies and other important parameters," Kondratyev explained.

This idea was supported by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade, National Superintendent of SEZs of Venezuela Alvarez Marquez. He noted that the initiative to create a digital map can significantly facilitate the promotion of special economic zones, simplify the presentation of information about them to potential investors and, as a result, contribute to improving the investment climate.

Datuk William Ong, President of the Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia, also emphasised the importance of digital tools in attracting investment.

Mohamed Aboeldahab, Chief Director for the Green Economy of the Suez Canal Economic Zone, addressed the session. He expressed that Egypt can become a key player in the integration of BRICS Special Economic Zones through favourable trade agreements and industrial hubs. He said the establishment of the International SEZ Association with the support of the New Development Bank (NDB) will help facilitate cooperation and move from bilateral to multilateral ties within the association.

For his part, programme director of one of South Africa's SEZs, Idriss Muchili, said his country was keen to share knowledge and experience in the association.

"We are very happy to be part of this platform and are enthusiastic to continue contributing so that we can work together for the common welfare. We are open to cooperation, especially in the implementation of green economy projects," he said.

At the end of the session, the moderator, Director of The Association of Clusters, Technology Parks and SEZ of Russia Mikhail Labudin proposed to develop not only a digital map, but also a common methodology for BRICS+ countries to assess special economic zones. Such a system, according to him, would make it possible to form an independent rating of SEZs in terms of investment attractiveness, combining data on tax incentives, infrastructure, human resources potential, and industry specialisation. This tool can form the basis of a digital platform and become an important part of the business navigator for investors, he said.

Labudin noted that based on the results of the session, all proposals will be submitted to the administration of the Russian President.

The International Association of SEZs of BRICS countries was initiated in 2024 to develop cooperation and cooperation between special economic zones of the group's states. Its creation is enshrined in the Kazan Declaration of the XVI BRICS Summit.

KazanForum takes place in the capital of Tatarstan from 13 to 18 May. It is attended by over 10 thousand people from more than 100 countries.

Photo: Maksim Platonov / RIA Novosti Photo Host Agency