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The agreement is aimed at developing mechanisms for the implementation of “green” technologies for low-carbon transformation of the economy and promoting the development of “green” industrial infrastructure with a view to scaling such solutions in Russia and friendly countries.
“The creation of new industries has a significant impact on economic development, but we must not forget about the environment. The negative effects should be minimized where possible. The “Kulibin” SEZ site is ideal for developing a systematic approach to implementing various solutions that help to preserve the environment. The low-carbon development strategy involves the use of renewable energy sources, “green” construction standards in the construction of infrastructure, the introduction of energy-efficient industrial processes and greenhouse gas emission monitoring systems”, said Andrey Sanosyan.
The “Kulibin” SEZ in was chosen as a pilot site for developing the low-carbon development strategy in May 2024 as part of the 5th meeting of the expert council on sustainable development under the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia.
In accordance with the document, the low-carbon development strategy and recommendations for the development of “green” infrastructure will be developed by AKIT.
“One of the modern trends for economic development is an active transition to a “green” economy, which implies the introduction of a wide range of environmentally friendly in all sectors of the economy. At the “Kulibin” SEZ site, we are already working to create the necessary infrastructure. In addition, we are in constant contact with our residents, assisting them in organizing production processes at their sites in order to optimize the consumption of resources”, said Igor Ishchenko, Director General of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Development Corporation.
In turn, Gazprombank plans to participate in the creation of financial mechanisms that will stimulate the introduction of “green” technologies for the low-carbon transformation of the industrial infrastructure of the SEZ. The company will also work out the possibility of implementing climate projects in the territory of the “Kulibin” SEZ.
The Nizhny Novgorod Region is actively working on “greening” the economy until 2035, which involves forming an economy taking into account the principles of sustainable development, increasing the level of environmental safety, resource conservation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Let us recall that the special economic zone (SEZ) of industrial production type “Kulibin” was created in May 2020 on the territory of Dzerzhinsk. In 2023, the area of SEZ was increased by 10 times, reaching 724 hectares. Thus, SEZ currently includes the state site (more than 400 hectares), as well as private sites of DPO “Plastic”, “Oka-Polymer” and “Sintez-Oka”.
The preferential conditions of the SEZ reduce income tax rates for its residents from 20% to 2% in the first 5 years, to 5% in the next 5 years and 14.5% thereafter, and also establish zero rates for taxes on property and land and transport tax.
“Today, more than half of the existing areas of the special economic zone “Kulibin” in Dzerzhinsk are distributed among investors, so we are already actively working on the possibilities for further expansion of the SEZ. Provided the availability of industrial areas with access to the Volga and developed infrastructure, the site in the city of Bor is extremely promising. In addition, after the implementation of the projects, more than a thousand new jobs will be created, thus stimulating the development of the entire municipality”, said Deputy Governor Andrey Sanosyan.
The Nizhny Novgorod Region Government plans to apply to the Russian Ministry of Economic Development for the expansion of the SEZ territory.
“Our special economic zone is in demand among investors. It is profitable for companies to locate production facilities in areas with a preferential tax regime, and for us this means developing the region's economy and creating new jobs. Another important step in developing the territory will be the planned investment project for a river multimodal port in the Volga backwater, next to the future SEZ site”, said Deputy Governor Egor Polyakov.
As noted by Denis Ismagilov, Minister of Economic Development and Investment of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, with the expansion of the preferential territory, one of the largest SEZs in the country will be formed in the region.
“Residents are provided with tax breaks on profit tax, property tax, land tax and transport tax, as well as an investment platform provided with infrastructure for a quick start of the project”, Denis Ismagilov noted.
Recall that the special economic zone ‘Kulibin” was created in May 2020 on the territory of the urban district of Dzerzhinsk. Preferential conditions of the SEZ reduce tax rates on profit for its residents from 20% to 2% in the first 5 years, to 5% in the next 5 years and 14.5% thereafter, and also establish zero rates for property, land and transport taxes. The effect of the profit tax benefit begins from the tax period in which the resident company first received a profit.
“The successful development of the Nizhny Novgorod Region largely depends on the level of investment, the investors’ attitude towards the region and vice versa. The “Investment Leaders” ceremony is getting more and more vibrant by the year, and this is due to the contribution that our entire business community makes. Last year, the investment volume in fixed capital grew by 36 percent. This is due to both the economic indicators that we demonstrated last year — we closed the year with a record growth in GRP and industry over the past 30 years — and the systematic work on organizing the investment process and preparing investment projects. Despite all the circumstances, we must continue to believe in the country, in the region. The Nizhny Novgorod Region is always ready to lend a shoulder to investors, and I am confident that the Nizhny Novgorod community of investors can handle anything”, said Gleb Nikitin.
In the nomination “Best HR strategy” was won by “Arzamas Instrument-Making Plant named after P.I. Plandin" JSC.
The expert council of the award proclaimed the project of “RusSilika” LLC for the creation of the production of micronized silica gels and stable silica sols in special economic zone “Kulibin”, which completely eliminates the environmental pollution, the “Best ESG investment project”.
The project of “Monamin” LLC for the creation of alkylethanolamine production was recognized as the “Innovative Project of the Year”.
The victory in the nomination “Municipality – Investment Leader" was awarded to four districts: Buturlinsky Municipal District (in the category “up to 18 thousand residents”), the urban district of Arzamas (in the category “over 18 thousand residents”), the urban districts of Nizhny Novgorod and Bor – among the nominees included in the Nizhny Novgorod agglomeration.
In the nomination “Investor of the Year”, four winners were chosen – one in each category, ranked by the investment volume. Those were furniture factory “Komod” LLC (modernization of furniture production, in the category of 10-50 million rubles), production and commercial company “RusAgroGRUPP” JSC (expansion of the production of pasteurized liquid egg products, in the category of 50-400 million rubles), agricultural holding “Russkoe pole” (major renewal of the poultry houses of “Pavlovskaya Poultry Farm” LLC in Vorsma, in the category of 400-2000 million rubles) and “First weaving factory” LLC (construction of a full-cycle weaving and finishing production, in the category of over 2000 million rubles).
“Since 2006, we have been recognizing investors for their achievements in the comprehensive development of the region. This is a traditional award of the Ministry of Economic Development and Investment of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, and it is important for supporting and encouraging the efforts of businesses that have had a significant positive impact on the investment climate of the Nizhny Novgorod Region”, said Denis Ismagilov, Minister of Economic Development and Investment of the Nizhny Novgorod Region.
A total of over 130 applications were submitted for the award, which is almost twice as many as last year. Applications were received from 19 municipalities.
“Today, we have awarded companies and municipalities that had made a significant contribution to the development of the Nizhny Novgorod Region. The “Investment Leaders” award allows us not only to recognize the best, but also to motivate others to new achievements. It is noteworthy that not only large enterprises were awarded, but also small and medium ones, including those with a social focus”, emphasized Igor Ishchenko, Director General of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Development Corporation.
In addition, four projects were recognized within the framework of special nominations of the award. Thus, the project of “Okapol” LLC for the production of thickening additives was recognized as the “Investment Initiative of the Year”. In the nomination “Social Project of the Year”, two projects were awarded: “Special Childhood Center #Nemolchi" (rehabilitation and social adaptation of children with mental disabilities) and Gorky Railway (construction of the "Quantorium" on the Children's Railway in Nizhny Novgorod).
Also, within the framework of special nominations from the Nizhny Novgorod Region Development Corporation, the city of Dzerzhinsk was awarded for its contribution to the development of preferential territories, and Sberbank PJSC received an award for active participation in the implementation of infrastructure projects in the Nizhny Novgorod Region.
The “Investment Leaders” forum and award were held in Nizhny Novgorod on September 17. The event was organized by the Government of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, the Ministry of Economic Development and Investment, and the Development Corporation of the Nizhny Novgorod Region.
According to the Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Gleb Nikitin, the “Investment Leaders” forum is an effective platform for interaction.
“An open and substantive dialogue aimed at both solving particular problems and finding new new solutions is very important for entrepreneurs. We see serious interest in the forum and award, the involvement of the business community in the topics discussed”, Gleb Nikitin noted.
The plenary discussion of the forum was devoted to new frontiers of the Russian economy and the competition for investors that has now unfolded between the regions.
Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Dmitry Tyupyshev addressed the participants of the event via video call. He noted that the proactive position of regional teams sometimes serves as a guarantee of the investment attractiveness of the region.
The Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation recalled that the May Decree of the President, as well as the Address to the Federal Assembly, paid special attention to a sustainable and dynamic economy.
“In order to maintain the 4th place in the world in terms of GDP at purchasing power parity, we must achieve sustainable growth rates. And this is the task of the national project “Efficient and Competitive Economy”. Its basis is, above all, the supply economy, which must ensure the satisfaction of growing domestic demand. The key emphasis is on investment, including the growth of private investment”, said Dmitry Tyupyshev.
The speakers discussed methods for creating a favorable investment environment using the example of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, measures to support investors in the context of increased interest rates on loans, the development of a technological and engineering base, and attracting foreign investment to the Russian economy.
The discussion was attended by Deputy Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Andrey Sanosyan, Head of the Representative Office of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) in the Russian Federation Gao Qi, Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Nikita Anisimov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the “Sladkaya Zhizn” group of companies Albert Gusev, Chairman of the Board of Directors of “RusSilika” LLC Svetlana Titova and Head of the Center for Strategic Analysis of the Bank of Russia Vyacheslav Bunkov.
“This year, the Nizhny Novgorod Region rose to the second position in the National Investment Climate Rating. We were striving for this result. We were able to achieve it only due to close cooperation, a constant search for new solutions and the desire to make the region even more attractive for business. The statistical data also confirm the improvement of the business climate in the Nizhny Novgorod Region. Last year was marked by record indicators in the economy, including investments. We expect that the trend will continue in the future”, said Andrey Sanosyan.
He noted that an important indicator of the region’s active economic development is also the growth in the share of investments in the GRP.
Also during the event, certificates of resident status of the special economic zone “Kulibin” were presented to seven companies: “RG-Center” JSC (production and technical complex for handling chemical power sources), “Vertex EcoSolutions” LLC (production of household chemicals and hygiene products), “NF-Group” LLC (production of decorative furniture thermoplastic PVC films), “Invent Heavy Engineering” LLC (production of heat exchangers and metalworking equipment), “DZMKI Group” LLC (production of metal structures), “Capacitor and Gas Distribution Equipment Plant” LLC (production of receivers for compressed air and inert gases), “Greenline” LLC (production of cardboard containers for eggs).
In addition, an exhibition of the achievements of the Nizhny Novgorod Region municipalities and products of the companies that won the 2022 “Investment Leaders” award was organized within the framework of the forum.
The organizers of the “Investment Leaders” forum are the Government of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, the Ministry of Economic Development and Investment, and the Development Corporation of the Nizhny Novgorod Region.
The partners of the forum are RusSilika, First Logistic, SberBank, Tosol-Sintez, AlfaStrakhovanie, VSK Insurance House, hh.ru, the Higher School of Economics, the MOST advertising agency, the Paprika business gifts agency, BENEFACTORY, the Nizhny Novgorod Fair exhibition center, the Nizhny Novgorod Planetarium, and the Vysota youth center. The information partners of the event were the Delovoy Kvartal portal, the NN.Sobaka.ru multimedia, and the Kommersant-Privolzhye publishing house.
Deputy Director General of the Development Corporation Vadim Zhogan spoke about the construction of engineering and transport infrastructure facilities on the SEZ territory. Currently, roads and telecommunications, gas and electricity supply networks, as well as storm sewer are being constructed on the state site. Work is also underway to create two checkpoints and industrial and production facilities.
Svetlana Zolnikova, head of HR department of the Development Corporation, told the meeting participants about the possibility of organizing targeted training for students at partner universities with internships at the local enterprises. Among other issues discussed were also prospects for including the SEZ “Kulibin” in state programs to receive grants for the development of mentoring at resident enterprises.
Another issue on agenda was centered around providing housing for employees of resident companies. Opposite the Lesnaya Polyana settlement, it is planned to build a residential complex that will include apartment buildings, a kindergarten, a school and other social infrastructure. The construction will be carried out in four stages.
“The meeting touched upon the most important issues for residents: the construction of engineering infrastructure on the state site, providing the resident enterprises with qualified personnel, plans for accommodating the families of company employees. The Development Corporation strives to create the most comfortable conditions for the implementation of investment projects, so feedback from investors is extremely important to us, we are always open to dialogue”, said Igor Ishchenko, Director General of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Development Corporation.
Let us recall that the special economic zone (SEZ) of industrial production type “Kulibin” was created in May 2020 on the territory of Dzerzhinsk. To date, the expert council of the special economic zone has approved the implementation of 35 investment projects, the total investment amount of which exceeds 100 billion rubles.
In 2023, the area of SEZ was increased by 10 times, reaching 724 hectares. Thus, SEZ currently includes the state site (more than 400 hectares), as well as private sites of DPO “Plastic”, “Oka-Polymer” and “Sintez-Oka”. The preferential conditions of the SEZ reduce income tax rates for its residents from 20% to 2% in the first 5 years, to 5% in the next 5 years and 14.5% thereafter, and also establish zero rates for taxes on property and land and transport tax.
The expert council of special economic zone “Kulibin” approved the applications of Russilika LLC and Pervy Zavod LLC for the implementation of an investment project and the expansion of the existing project respectively.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Governors of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Andrey Sanosyan and Egor Polyakov, as well as Minister of the Economic Development and Investment Denis Ismagilov.
“Today we have approved two more projects with an impressive total investment volume – nearly 20 billion rubles. One of the companies aims to increase the investments in the existing project and expand the production, thus creating additional jobs as well. The other company that is already constructing a plant aims to create another one, using a newly established legal entity,” – said Deputy Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Egor Polyakov.
In turn, Andrey Sanosyan emphasized that to date the expert council of special economic zone “Kulibin” has approved the implementation of 35 projects with a total investment volume of 100 billion rubles.
“Thus, half of the territory of the site is currently occupied. This is a remarkable result for such a short period of time. For now, we prioritize the creation of high-performance jobs. The labor market situation makes both investors and authorities search for new production technologies, allowing to increase the performance of jobs created,” – said Andrey Sanosyan.
Russilika LLC aims to construct a facility for the production of micronized silica gels and stable silica sols. These materials are widely used in the production of tires and rubber products, in the chemical and food sectors, oil refining, the production of building materials, etc. The total investment volume is almost 19 billion rubles, more than 100 jobs are planned to be created.
“We are already working on the creation of micronized silica gels and stable silica sols plant. For now, our goal is to scale the project. We are planning to start the construction of a similar facility in Dzerzhinsk on the area of 26 hectares. We aim to start the construction next year, and commission the plant in 2029,” – noted Director general of Russilika LLC Leonid Grosh.
In turn, Pervy Zavod LLC aims to expand the existing project for the production of building metal structures, which was approved by the expert council in August 2023. Additional investment of 1.4 billion rubles will make it possible to increase the production volume and create 70 more jobs. In total, the project accounts for 2.1 billion rubles, 162 jobs are planned to be created.
The management company of SEZ “Kulibin” is the Nizhny Novgorod Region Development Corporation.
“The Development Corporation, as the management company of the special economic zone, faces the task of creating the most comfortable conditions for investors on the site. The expansion of production facilities of existing residents indicates that this work is being carried out successfully”, – said Alexander Lyalin, Chief Deputy Director General of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Development Corporation.
Let us recall that the special economic zone (SEZ) of industrial production type “Kulibin” was created in May 2020 on the territory of Dzerzhinsk.
In 2023, the area of SEZ was increased by 10 times, reaching 724 hectares. Thus, SEZ currently includes the state site (more than 400 hectares), as well as private sites of DPO “Plastic”, “Oka-Polymer” and “Sintez-Oka”. The preferential conditions of the SEZ reduce income tax rates for its residents from 20% to 2% in the first 5 years, to 5% in the next 5 years and 14.5% thereafter, and also establish zero rates for taxes on property and land and transport tax.
The procedure for obtaining resident status includes identifying a site for the implementation of the project together with a management company, registering a legal entity on the territory of the city. Dzerzhinsk, submission of documents to the management company, including applications for concluding an agreement, passport of the investment project, copies of constituent documents, certificate of registration of a legal entity and certificate of registration with the tax authority, certificate of absence of debt. Next, the investor defends the project at an expert council. Then a tripartite agreement is concluded with the Development Corporation of the Nizhny Novgorod Region and the Ministry of Economic Development and Investment of the region. Based on the agreement, the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia issues a certificate certifying the registration of the enterprise as a resident of the Kulibin SEZ. To date, 31 companies have already received the status of resident of SEZ.
The Nizhny Novgorod Region Development Corporation discussed the collaboration with the regional business associations aimed at resolving investors’ problematic issues.
The event was attended by the Commissioner for the Protection of the Entrepreneurs’ Rights of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Pavel Solodky, Director General of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Association of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Alexander Anosov, Director General of the Commerce and Industry Trade Ivan Razuvaev, Chairman of the Nizhny Novgorod regional branch of “Opora Rossii” Irina Sadovnikova.
Director General of the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Development Corporation Igor Ishchenko told the meeting participants about the activity areas of the organization and the opportunities it offers to investors.
He noted that the Development Corporation facilitates the implementation of investment projects at all stages, taking on obligations to interact with regional and local authorities, natural monopolies and other organizations.
The Development Corporation operates on the “one-stop shop” principle, thus allowing investors to obtain full information on possible support measures, seek assistance in resolving problematic, and reduce financial costs when creating an enterprise.
Currently, The Development Corporation is supporting 248 projects with a total investment volume of more than 240 billion rubles, about 30 thousand jobs are planned to be created.
The meeting participants also discussed the investors’ issues that the business associations deal with most often, ways to resolve them alongside measures targeted at increasing the investment attractiveness of the Nizhny Novgorod Region. Among such issues are searching for financing sources and highly qualified specialists, selecting land plots, and establishing new cooperation chains in the context of sanctions pressure.
“Such issues allow us to find common ground and discuss the most pressing issues. I am sure that the collaboration with the business associations will help to resolve problematic in the shortest possible time, thus making the implementation of investment projects in the Nizhny Novgorod Region even easier for investors,” – said Igor Ishchenko.
Let us recall that the Nizhny Novgorod Region Development Corporation was created on the initiative of Governor Gleb Nikitin in the interests of the investor. It facilitates the implementation of projects at all stages, taking on obligations to interact with regional and local authorities, natural monopolies and other organizations.
The Nizhny Novgorod Region Development Corporation developed the second versatile investment proposal. It implies the construction of a sports complex with a climbing wall.
Such proposals are ready-made projects requiring minimum preparatory work from the investor. This allows for a fast launch of the project and significantly reduces its payback period.
The project for the creation of a sports complex with a climbing wall implies an investment of about 1.3 rubles. The project implementation period is 3 months. The advantages of the proposal include a relatively low amount of investment the absence of the need to connect to engineering networks except for electricity. There are no restrictions on the number of objects that can be constructed by investors as part of the proposal. Each object envisages the creation of up to 5 jobs.
Apart from that, the project is highly significant from the social point view due to the contribution it makes to the development of mass sports and leisure activities for both adults and children.
The requirements for potential investment sites are minimal: it has to be a land plot or a premise with a total area of 50 m2, with an access to a 1 kW electricity network.
The sports complexes may vary in configuration: it can be a single climbing wall a large complex with enough space for other activities, such as skate bearding, cycling, etc.
The state support of the project may include preferential lending and grants for the creation of mass sports objects.
“This year, we are actively working to develop such low-cost and yet effective out-of-the-box projects, which are socially significant and can be launched fast. The key advantage of these projects is their versatility and a high degree of elaboration. We will keep developing and scaling such proposals for our investors,” – said Director General of the Nizhny Novgorod Development Corporation Igor Ishchenko.
Let us recall that the Development has previously presented another versatile investment proposal implying the creation of a tourist complex with a glamping in the Nizhny Novgorod Region.
In order to get additional information about the out-of-the-box proposals the investors may contact the Development Corporation via the hotline number: 8 (800) 350-12-52.
Entrepreneurs and investors from the Nizhny Novgorod Region as well as from the other regions of Russia and foreign countries are invited to take part in the business forum “Investment Leaders”. The event will be held in Nizhny Novgorod on September 17, 2024 at the Nizhny Novgorod Fair.
Since 2006, the regional award “Investment Project of the Year” was held annually to highlight the most prominent investment projects. In 2023, the format of the event was changed to forum and award “Investment Leaders”.
The forum is organized by the Ministry of Economic Development and Investment of the Nizhny Novgorod Region together with the regional Development Corporation.
Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Gleb Nikitin noted that the business forum represents an effective platform for maintaining investor relations.
“The Nizhny Novgorod Region rose up to the 2nd place in the National Rating pf Investment Climate issued by ASI. One of the key elements here is the proper interaction with the business. The business forum is aimed at both highlighting the significance of investments in the region and reaching out to those truly interested in its development,” – said Gleb Nikitin.
In the framework of a plenary discussion the experts will debate on how to attract investors against the backdrop of the growing competition among regions. Among other issues to be discussed are the development of industrial enterprises and the circular economy, logistics and personnel training.
The forum will be attended by the representatives of both federal and regional executive institutions, local authorities and the business community.
Those willing to take part in the event have to register until September 16 at: https://инвестнн.рф/.
The website also contains detailed information about the award and key nomination at “Investment Leaders”. The application for the award are accepted until September 1, 2024 at: https://инвестнн.рф/#nominant.
Media representatives may register for the event at: https://инвестнн.рф/smi.
A round table on staffing issues for the special economic zone “Kulibin” was held at the Nizhny Novgorod Region Development Corporation. The event was attended by SEZ resident companies, representatives of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Ministry of Education, the regional Department of Labor and Employment, the “OKA” recruiting agency, and the administration of Dzerzhinsk.
The participants discussed the personnel needs of modern industrial enterprises, issues of attracting specialists to the region and their placement in Dzerzhinsk. In particular, it was proposed to expand the career guidance program in schools, promote awareness of the vacancies available at the local enterprises, and create a forecast map reflecting the need of industries for highly qualified personnel.
The head of the Department of Labor and Employment Igor Pantyukhin told the participants about the situation on the labor market in the region, as well as about programs for subsidizing hiring and professional retraining.
Deputy Minister of Education of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Lyubov Shirokova presented the potential of vocational education in the region and current educational programs aimed at training personnel for industrial enterprises.
Head of the “OKA” recruiting agency Marina Domnina spoke about the Start of a Career project – a navigator for regional career opportunities, with the help of which residents of SEZ could attract young specialists to their enterprises.
Following the round table, it is planned to develop a roadmap for the selection and training of specialists for residents of SEZ, taking into account the needs and specifics of each enterprise.
“Residents often contact us on issues of training and selection of personnel, and the Development Corporation, as the management company of the special economic zone, is called upon to help them solve this problem at an early stage, which will allow enterprises to reach full capacity without delay,” – said Director General of the Development Corporation Igor Ishchenko.
Let us recall that the special economic zone “Kulibin” was created in May 2020 on the territory of Dzerzhinsk. In 2023, the area of SEZ was increased by 10 times, reaching 724 hectares. Thus, SEZ currently includes the state site (more than 400 hectares), as well as private sites of DPO “Plastic”, “Oka-Polymer” and “Sintez-Oka”.
The preferential conditions of the SEZ reduce income tax rates for its residents from 20% to 2% in the first 5 years, to 5% in the next 5 years and 14.5% thereafter, and also establish zero rates for taxes on property and land and transport tax.
