Economic port zones for Russia
The Russian government is gradually narrowing down the number applications for special economic port zones. Murmansk is considered to be among the favourite candidates.
The Russian Ministry of Economic Development and Trade is studied the first 20 port applications and dismissed three, RussiaToday reports.
Meanwhile, the country’s top three sea ports - Novorossiysk, Primorsk and St. Petersburg, which account for more than 200 million tonnes of trade per year - or half the country’s total port turnover – do not appear to want or need the new status.
The chances of Murmansk are believed to be positive in the competition. Already when Vladimir Putin visited the port in May 2007, he underlined the importance of Murmansk as trade and supply hub in the Russian North. The Murmansk regional administration has subsequent worked hard to secure status as special economic port zone, a status which will give the port a number of beneficial tax and development conditions.
The winners of the competition is expected to be announced in July this year.
