The Nizhny Novgorod special economic zone “Kulibin” ranks among top 3 most client-oriented industrial sites in Russia

The “Kulibin” special economic zone (SEZ) located in Dzerzhinsk, Nizhny Novgorod Region, has been ranked 3rd in the rating of client-oriented industrial parks and special economic zones compiled by the “Expert” analytical center. The rating website presents information about the top fifty industrial sites across the country.

When compiling the rating, three key parameters were taken into consideration: service offerings including land plot acquisition and leasing, sale and rental of ready-to-use premises, facilities for light manufacturing operations, personnel recruitment services, logistics and warehousing solutions, as well as customs services; resource costs; and information transparency. Following expert evaluation, the “Kulibin” SEZ received an aggregate score of 92.4 out of 100 possible points.

The “Expert” analytical center also compiled rankings of site management companies based on their economic contributions at both national and regional levels. The Development Corporation secured 8th and 10th positions respectively in these rankings, which assessed resident companies' revenue performance from the previous year, the number of jobs created by residents, and the volume of investments made by residents over the year.

Igor Ishchenko, Director General of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Development Corporation, commented: “The “Kulibin” SEZ was established just five years ago, yet during this relatively short period our expert council has already approved forty-one projects representing approximately one hundred twenty-five billion rubles in total investments. Interest in the site continues unabated – two years ago we expanded the Special Economic Zone territory tenfold and have since submitted an application for further expansion into Bor municipal district. In response to sustained business demand, we are currently identifying suitable sites for additional expansion. As the managing company, we remain committed to continuously improving our service offerings, as creating optimal conditions for investors remains our foremost priority.”

Anton Garanin, Deputy Director of the Development Corporation, explained that investor interest in the “Kulibin” SEZ stems primarily from the financial incentives the site provides: “Given current monetary policy conditions, the government's cluster development strategy for Russian industry has gained particular relevance across multiple economic sectors. Investors are attracted by the preferential business terms, ready-to-use engineering infrastructure, and the SEZ’s strategically advantageous location near key consumer markets.”

He further noted that upcoming priorities will include developing platforms to facilitate cooperation between resident companies, implementing services to support export market entry, and incorporating environmental, social and governance principles, including carbon footprint analysis and environmental risk management systems for new production facilities. Taken together, these measures will reinforce the Special Economic Zone's position as a center for industrial innovation and sustainable development.

The “Kulibin” special economic zone was established in May 2020. In spring 2023, its territory was expanded tenfold to reach seven hundred twenty-four point seven hectares. In November 2024, an application was submitted for further expansion into territory within Bor municipal district. Currently, the Special Economic Zone comprises state-owned land exceeding four hundred hectares, along with private sites operated by DPO “Plastik”, “Oka-Polymer” and “Sintez OKA”.

Resident companies benefit from preferential conditions including reduced profit tax rates from twenty-five percent down to two percent during the first five years after achieving profitability, five percent during the subsequent five years, and fourteen point five percent thereafter. The Special Economic Zone also establishes zero tax rates for property, land and transport taxes.