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13.10.2023

Russian Parliamentarians Assessed the Import Substitution Opportunities at SEZ Lotus

The conference of the South-Russian Parliamentary Association is currently being held in Astrakhan under the chairmanship of Igor Martynov, the Speaker of the Parliament of the Astrakhan Region. During the event, the participants have visited the Special Economic Zone LOTUS in the Narimanov District of the Astrakhan Region. Andrey Nalimov, Deputy Director General of SEZ Lotus JSC – the Management Company of the Caspian Cluster, conducted a tour of the enterprises established by the tenants of SEZ Lotus.

The Caspian Cluster of Special Economic Zones, which includes the Industrial SEZ Lotus in the Narimanov District and the Port SEZ in the Liman District, was presented at the geosynthetics plant of JSC Gexa-Lotos.

 The members of Parliament have visited JSC Gexa-Lotos. The construction of the third phase of the plant is being completed, which will allow the production of geosynthetics to be expanded: from infrastructure materials for construction and roads to shade nets for the agricultural industry. Due to the good target market the company operates on a pre-order basis – there is a high demand for its products. The majority of the raw materials used in the production process are of Russian origin.

 In May of this year, Lotos Shipyard (a shipyard of the Southern Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Center, incorporated in the USC) started the construction of four dry cargoes and container vessels of the river/sea type, capable of carrying over 500 containers, including reefer containers. Additionally, a contract was signed for the delivery of six self-propelled dredgers with shiftable cutting heads / bucket wheel heads.

 This year, JSC Rybniye Korma will launch its new plant in SEZ Lotus for the production of starting and grower fish feed. The plant will primarily focus on the production of feed for sturgeon and catfish. It will also produce feed for trout, salmon, seabass, and dorado. In addition to fish feed, pet food production will also be available. Initially, the annual production of the plant will be 25 thousand tons, with the possibility of increasing to 50 thousand tons in the future. The staff will consist of approximately one hundred employees. The plant is currently conducting a test run of the equipment, making the necessary adjustments and preparing for its full operation.

 According to Igor Martynov, the Chairman of the Duma of the Astrakhan Region, support for such industrial enterprises is crucial, especially under sanctions.

 – The advanced high-tech production will enable the manufacture of materials that are in demand by major Russian companies. As for the region, it will contribute to the investment aspect, the taxation system, and the creation of jobs, – he said.

Vladimir Narojniy, the Chairman of the State Council — Khase of the Republic of Adygea, also agreed that the establishment of enterprises in Special Economic Zone Lotus is crucial for the regional and national economy, noting, “This is a significant step in the issues of import substitution. We are witnessing this phenomenon in the Astrakhan Region as an example”.

Source & photo: the Duma of the Astrakhan Region