The Lipetsk SEZ became a new member of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs. Other new members, including the Lipetsk State Technical University, were welcomed by Vladimir Lisin, Chairman of the Lipetsk Branch of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, last week at the Union’s annual meeting. The meeting was also joined by Igor Artamonov, Acting Governor of the Lipetsk Region.
He discussed implementation of national projects with the representative of the business community, including delegates from OPORA Russia and Business Russia, two association supporting small and medium-sized businesses in the country. The discussion was followed by a presentation that demonstrated existing opportunities for such projects in the Lipetsk Region.
Last year the Lipetsk Region ranked third in the Central Federal District in terms of exports, mainly due to steel products, pharmaceuticals and chemicals. However, the Lipetsk Region has a much larger economic potential. According to Igor Artamonov, this potential can be unlocked through national projects aimed at improving the labor productivity and supporting the business community.
“These projects will be funded by the federal budget,” said Igor Artamonov. “The funds will be spent on modernization and refurbishment of production facilities, staff training, subsidized loans, and corporate competitiveness enhancement programs.”
Regional support comes in the form of bonuses and advantages offered by the Lipetsk Special Economic Zone, regional special economic zones, industrial parks and clusters, Sokol and LTZ tech parks. They feature a necessary engineering infrastructure, tax reliefs and subsidies, a multi-year expertise in investor relations, qualified employees and management, and cutting-edge production technologies.
Igor Artamonov also noted that necessary legislative changes had been introduced a year ago. Starting from May 2019, investments required for an investor to be allocated a land plot will decrease from RUB 500 million down to RUB 100 million. Since last September, producers delivering top-priority national projects has been enjoying a lower income tax of 10%.
The Acting Governor also outlined priorities for support measures. First of all, the authorities will support the development of scientific, technological and industrial parks, high-tech industries, R&D and manufacturing activities, agriculture and forestry sectors, industrial companies, waste management and car maintenance service providers.
Construction time in special economic zones and industrial parks should be reduced by half. Another coming benefit is a special customs regime with a zero VAT rate.
Participants of the meeting had an opportunity to learn more about the government support to be provided to the business community by industry-related public agencies of the Lipetsk Region, business funds, regional export support centers, engineering and cluster developing centers, and other organizations.
“We stay true to our goals,” Igor Artamonov said in conclusion. “We want to be on top or at least hit Top 3”.
For your reference
The Lipetsk Branch of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs was established in October 2003 and now unites over 60 large and medium-sized enterprises employing over 70,000 people. The Union’s members account for 92% of the gross regional product, while their tax payments make nearly 80% of the regional budget. Export operations account for 96% of their total sales.
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