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III International Special Economic Zones Forum in Nizhny Novgorod
The III International Special Economic Zones Forum (“IFSEZ-2025”) will take place on September 18th in Nizhny Novgorod.
Organized by Russia's Ministry of Economic Development, Association of Clusters, Technology Parks and SEZs, Government of Nizhny Novgorod Region, and Nizhny Novgorod Region Development Corporation, the forum marks the 20th anniversary of special economic zones' development in Russia. It will serve as a key international platform for discussing industry prospects.
Attendees include business representatives, government officials, and experts who will engage in negotiations with Russian and foreign investors, present successful cases from Russian SEZs, and discuss new partnership mechanisms in an international context. Focus areas include sustainable development and expansion of global value chains. Increased investment activity is one of the main goals of the national project “Effective and Competitive Economy,” initiated by President Vladimir Putin since 2025.
Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia, Svyatoslav Sorokin, noted that over two decades, special economic zones have proven their effectiveness as tools for modernizing the economy.
“Special economic zones have become growth hubs for dozens of regions across Russia. They demonstrate high returns, attracting investments, creating jobs, and boosting non-commodity exports. The forum in Nizhny Novgorod provides an opportunity to summarize twenty years of work with SEZ participants, experts, and relevant authorities. I am confident that this effort will result in new development vectors enabling greater participation of Russia in the global investment agenda," said Svyatoslav Sorokin.
Governor of Nizhny Novgorod Region, Gleb Nikitin, highlighted the significance of the forum for the region.
“Hosting of the international forum recognizes our region’s contribution to developing investment and industrial infrastructure. Our local SEZ “Kulibin” continues its rapid expansion, attracting residents producing import-substituting and market-demand products. Meetings and discussions during the forum will help establish new business connections and facilitate launching new projects," stated Gleb Nikitin.
Deputy Governor of Nizhny Novgorod Region, Andrey Sanosyan, emphasized that “Kulibin” SEZ has become one of the leaders in terms of investment attractiveness among preferential territories.
"The Expert Council approved 43 projects, while another 13 companies are preparing documentation. This forum not only allows us to share experiences but also learn best practices for further development of preferential zones and foster cooperation for future initiatives," added Andrey Sanosyan.
Director of the Association of Clusters, Technology Parks, and SEZs of Russia, Mikhail Labudin, underscored the growing international role of the forum held in Nizhny Novgorod.
"The International SEZ Forum has established itself as a unique platform for exchanging practices and establishing robust business ties. Today, special economic zones are no longer just points of localized development but catalysts for international cooperation and sustainable growth. We see significant interest in consolidating efforts within the BRICS countries’ International Association of SEZs, which strengthens our positions globally," stressed Mikhail Labudin.
Director General of the regional development corporation, Igor Ishchenko, mentioned that the corporation remains open to collaboration.
"In recent years, we hosted numerous delegations from other regions of Russia and abroad, sharing our experience in developing preferential territories and learning from colleagues' best practices. The forum brings together leading specialists who can develop a vision for the future of special economic zones," concluded Igor Ishchenko.
Registration for the third International Special Economic Zones Forum-2025 is available via the link: https://ifsez.ru/reg_en. Registration closes on September 16th.
