Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development will expand its special economic zone navigator for investors from BRICS countries. The tool will be enhanced with data from the Sustainable Development Rating and best practices for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This was announced on the ministry’s website.
The expansion of the navigator, in collaboration with the Association of Clusters, Technoparks and Special Economic Zones of Russia, will create a “one-stop shop” for foreign investors. It will contain information on the site, incentives, available infrastructure and its level of sustainability.
The Ministry will also develop a case book of sustainable solutions for special economic zones. This will include best practices for improving energy efficiency, developing social infrastructure, working with residents, monitoring indicators and disclosing information, and modernising facilities.
“The sustainable development of special economic zones must deliver results – attracting investment from partner countries and enabling our residents’ products to enter new markets. The new rating system offers investors tangible, verified data and proven best practices. Our task is to turn this into a working mechanism for cooperation between Russia’s zones and the BRICS countries,” emphasised Nikita Kondratev, Director of the Department for Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects.
In 2025 alone, the revenue of residents in special economic zones reached US$19.1 billion, whilst investment stood at US$20.2 billion – accounting for almost 40 per cent of all investment in such zones. Since the scheme began, residents have paid US$8.9 billion into the budget. Russia’s special economic zones have already paid for themselves in terms of budget revenue.
Russia has established a range of sustainable financial instruments for investors: green loans, green bonds, adaptation bonds and sustainable development bonds. Their total value is nearly US$7.1 billion.
Natalya Morshchikhina, Director of the Department of Financial and Bank Operations and Investment Development, noted that Russia has created the world’s most detailed social system of criteria for socially significant projects. It establishes clear rules for investors.