Russia Expands Sustainability Data for BRICS Investors
Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development plans to expand its special economic zone navigator for BRICS investors, adding sustainability ratings and best practices linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to an announcement on the ministry’s website.
The upgraded platform, developed in cooperation with the Association of Clusters, Technoparks and Special Economic Zones of Russia, will serve as a one-stop resource for foreign investors. It will provide information on available sites, investment incentives, infrastructure and sustainability performance.
The ministry also plans to compile a casebook of sustainable solutions for special economic zones, covering energy efficiency, social infrastructure, engagement with zone residents, performance monitoring, information disclosure and facility modernization.
Nikita Kondratev, director of the ministry’s Department for Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects, said the initiative aims to attract investment from partner countries and help products manufactured by zone residents reach new markets. He added that the sustainability rating would give investors verified data and established practices to support cooperation between Russian economic zones and BRICS countries.
In 2025, companies operating in Russia’s special economic zones generated $19.1 billion in revenue, while investment reached $20.2 billion, accounting for nearly 40% of all investment in the zones. Since the scheme was established, residents have contributed $8.9 billion to the state budget. The ministry said budget revenues had already covered the cost of establishing the zones.
Russia has also developed sustainable financing instruments for investors, including green loans, green bonds, adaptation bonds and sustainable development bonds, with a combined value of nearly $7.1 billion.
Natalya Morshchikhina, director of the ministry’s Department of Financial and Bank Operations and Investment Development, said Russia had established a detailed set of social criteria for socially significant projects, providing investors with clear rules for evaluating such initiatives.
Sada Elbalad English