Ports to join economic zones programme

28 Jul, 2006 06:33 / Updated 18 years ago

Russia's programme to develop special economic zones is about to include a ports category, benefiting from preferential tax regimes to attract investment and subsidise start-ups.

So far, the programme has covered high-technology zones and industrial and recreational sites in limited geographical areas. Economic development minister German Gref says the initiative will help Russia raise its competitiveness on the global market, subject to financial details yet to be settled.