16.10.2020

Technopolis "Moscow" was recognized as the best in six nominations of the Global Free Zones of the Year rating

Experts highly appreciated the investment attractiveness of the special economic zone and noted its contribution to the fight against the pandemic.

The Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Technopolis Moscow won six special nominations in the Global Free Zones of the Year rating, which is annually organized by the fDi Magazine. Among them are Cluster Development, COVID-19 Support, PPP, Real Estate Flexibility, Red Tape Reduction and Workforce Amenities.

According to the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Economic Policy and Property and Land Relations Vladimir Yefimov, it was the first time that Technopolis Moscow had taken part in the competition of the world’s special economic zones.

“In total, 100 applications were submitted for participation in the rating, the activities of each special economic zone were considered in 80 nominations. Experts highly appreciated the capabilities of the Technopolis Moscow, including the issue of localizing production under offset contracts, the total volume of which amounted to $ 150 million. Separately, the ranking noted the contribution of the capital’s special economic zone to the fight against the pandemic. Thus, during the period of time constraints, Technopolis Moscow halved the rental rate for 100 manufacturers, which allowed companies to save about 50 million rubles in three months – from April to June, and enterprises quickly redesigned their production to produce the products the city needed”, said Vladimir Yefimov.

Important indicators in assessing a special economic zone are their investment appeal and development opportunities.

“The resident companies of Technopolis Moscow, regardless of the beneficiary country, receive equal tax benefits, the possibility of duty-free import, reduced long-term lease rates, flexible policy regarding leased space, developed infrastructure and transport accessibility to major customers and large warehouses. These factors contribute not only to attracting new investors, but also to the expansion of existing production facilities,“ said Alexander Prokhorov, head of the Moscow City Investment and Industrial Policy Department.

The authors of the rating noted the opportunities of the free zone’s infrastructure, its area and available amenities, as well as its cooperation with the leading educational establishments. According to Gennady Degtev, CEO of Moscow Technopolis SEZ, winning six special nominations at once is the best achievement in this rating among Russian special economic zones since 2014.

Global Free Zones of the Year is the only international ranking of special economic zones that is globally recognized and published regularly. Earlier in 2020, Moscow already held high positions in other fDi Intelligence ratings.

In the fDi`s European Cities and Regions of the Future, Moscow entered the top five in terms of human capital and business friendliness, and in the top 10 cities in terms of economic potential and cost effectiveness among the largest European cities. Moscow also entered the top 20 cities in Europe with the most promising high-tech, innovation and startup investment opportunities; in the fDi Tech Cities of the Future the Russian capital ranks 18th among 76 cities,” added the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Moscow Department of Economic Policy and Development Kirill Purtov.

The Special Economic Zone Technopolis Moscow comprises five platforms with a total area of over 200 hectares in Pechatniki and Alabushevo and at the companies Micron, Angstrom and National Research University of Electronic Technology (MIET). Over 180 high-tech companies are operating in the zone, which has both greenfield and brownfield territories.