In 2005, special economic zones (SEZs), or, in other words, free economic zones (SEZs) began to appear throughout Russia. The purpose of creating such facilities is to develop the production sector of the state or individual elements of the country. In addition, the goals include the solution of any strategic tasks, which include foreign trade, general economic, social, regional, scientific and technical and many others.
Alabuga, a special economic zone of the Republic of Tatarstan, also belongs to such objects of state development. It will be discussed in this article.
What is an Alabuga?
Eleven years ago, on the territory of the Yelabuga region (in the vicinity of the Lower Kama agglomeration) of the Republic of Tatarstan, an important object was created by the decision of the Government of the Russian Federation. This is the largest special economic zone of the industrial-production type ("Alabuga") in all of Russia. It is located a thousand kilometers from the capital of the Russian Federation, and its area is 2000 hectares. It is possible that the area could be larger, but, according to the federal law “On Special Economic Zones in the Russian Federation”, the area of such zones cannot exceed 4000 hectares.
The existence of the SEZ “Alabuga” will last until 2054, since these zones are created only for 49 years, and it is impossible to extend this period. But even during such a time, an object can serve very well for the benefit of the state as a whole and the region itself in particular. Indeed, in the special economic zone "Alabuga" a unique legal status exists, which removes some restrictions in terms of economic opportunities for local and foreign firms.
The managing company of this SEZ is JSC SEZ PPT Alabuga. The shareholders are: sixty-six percent - Special Economic Zones JSC, thirty-four percent - the Ministry of Land and Property Relations of the Republic of Tatarstan.
How did this economic zone come about?
As mentioned above, Alabuga (Special Economic Zone) was established at the end of 2005. But what compelled the state to create such an object?
The need for industrial development and the opening of large-scale factories was thoroughly studied almost immediately after the law on special economic zones. Many regions have become interested in these prospects. 73 applications for the creation of the SEZ were considered. With the help of the competition, a site near Elabuga was selected. And so was created "Alabuga" - a special economic zone.
Many people are interested in why the Republic of Tatarstan gained the advantage in the construction of the SEZ. Everything is very simple - this region is one of the most developed throughout the Russian Federation. There is a high potential in terms of technological development.
a brief description of
Considering that the main goal of creating a special economic zone is the development of a favorable atmosphere in the industrial environment, it becomes clear why local and foreign firms are becoming participants. Following the relationship “Alabuga” (special economic zone) - enterprises specializing in industrial production gives an advantage in the development of the whole company.
If we consider this issue more broadly, then the benefit for the enterprise when investing in the specified SEZ is obvious. Participants receive tax special benefits, as well as a land plot fully prepared for the construction of absolutely any project. These features are a very attractive proposition. Those wishing to invest in the SEZ “Alabuga” need to know that the minimum amount is set at 3 million euros.
Transport and customs infrastructure
The location of the Alabuga facility (special economic zone) is very advantageous. A few hundred meters from the SEZ lies the M7 highway. In addition, on the territory of the facility there is a railway line, the length of which is about 5 kilometers. The Tikhonovo railway freight station is located nearby (18 kilometers from the SEZ). These clarifications make it clear that there are no difficulties in loading or unloading the necessary goods, due to the proximity of transport support.
In relative proximity is the Begishevo International Airport - it is only 45 kilometers away. Also near the object are waterways - in Kazan, Naberezhnye Chelny and Chistopol, there are river-sea ports.
Regarding customs facilities, there are innovations, including a railway terminal, a container site and much more. Without these devices, the SEZ cannot function normally.
Business and industrial infrastructure
The administrative and business center includes such infrastructure objects as the office of the administration of the SEZ, premises for participants in the zone, and other necessary elements (a conference room, bank branch, post office, medical center, restaurant, etc.). The system for ensuring the activities of industries and administrative buildings with the necessary services of state services and institutions acts as a “One Window” system.
This system was created in order to simplify and more convenient interaction with representative authorities. Also, “One Window” is responsible for maintaining a favorable environment for the development of various business areas. The first platform equipped with similar technologies was the SEZ “Alabuga”, Russian special economic zones often become experimental in such areas.
The industrial infrastructure is organized at the highest level: all areas owned by enterprises have the necessary communications. As you can see, the SEZ does everything for the comfort of its participants and their effective work.
Assessment of the SEZ
The performance indicators of the Alabuga Special Economic Zone are not in doubt. Many agencies highly value the activities of the SEZ. For example, the Rus-Rating agency characterizes this object as stable and promising. For such conclusions, many factors are taken into account: this is the history of the development of the SEZ, and the location on transport and trade routes, and the quality of raw materials. In addition, there are many other factors that also affect the position of the zone in the ratings.
According to some reports, the fauna in the special economic zone is not the last. The participants include a wide variety of projects of local and foreign companies, whose activities are to create the necessary environment for certain types of animals. The legislation of the Russian Federation controls many such issues as, for example, the extinction of birds. The special economic zone "Alabuga" with the help of some enterprises contributes to the care of nature.
Do investments in SEZ pay off?
Undoubtedly, investing in such facilities not only helps the development of industry, but also brings good income to the investors themselves. In addition, exemption from several types of tax (land, property, transport) is very attractive in itself. The state provides guarantees of invariability of tax benefits, which ensures a stable growth of investors.
Profits are also subject to a relatively small tax. In the first five years, the rate is only two percent, the second five - seven percent, and then, before the SEZ expires, it is fifteen and a half percent.
The absence of any customs duties levied on foreign goods can help investors save money. The attractiveness of the SEZ is undeniable, and its benefit to the participants is obvious.
List of enterprises in the zone
If we consider in detail such an object as the special economic zone "Alabuga", the list of organizations will be very extensive. The number of investors is already 49. And given the opportunities for business development with the help of this SEZ, there is a high probability of a constant increase in participants.
Among investing firms, industrial enterprises predominate. Among them are the following residents:
- Ford Sollers Elabuga LLC is a company manufacturing passenger cars and SUVs under license from Ford.
- LLC "Belaya Dacha Alabuga" - produces vegetable and salad products.
- NTC SME LLC - produces systems for the purification of exhaust gases for automobiles.
- Amitek LLC - production of fiberglass pipes.
- Bars Technology LLC - produces car batteries.
- Geliotekhnika Sirius LLC - is engaged in the development and creation of solar panels.
- A-Star LLC - produces starch products from wheat raw materials.
In addition to these companies, there are still a large number of residents whose interests range from mushroom cultivation to the production of composite materials. Among the residents there are both local enterprises (in extreme cases, conducting their activities and having production facilities on the territory of the Russian Federation), as well as representatives of foreign manufacturing firms.
