How the BRICS SEZ Digital Map Turns Investor Interest into Real Deals in BRICS+ Countries?

Russian authorities have presented the "Digital Map of Special Economic Zones" to BRICS partners – a unified investment navigator for benefits and sites in the bloc's countries. This initiative comes amidst a 50% revenue growth for foreign residents in Russian SEZs in 2024 and over 50 billion rubles in cumulative benefits, as reported by "Mangazeya" publication.

What Exactly Has Been Presented and Why is it Important for Investors?

The platform is a unified "map" of BRICS SEZs with up-to-date data on regimes, benefits, and infrastructure, designed to shorten entry time for cross-border projects and integrate them into production and logistics chains. According to data presented at the forum, foreign residents' revenue in Russian SEZs grew by 50% during 2024, and the total benefits received by residents exceeded 50 billion rubles, as reported at the event.

Expert assessments highlight the effect of reducing barriers for investors. The presentation of the "BRICS SEZ Digital Map" can enhance international cooperation and attract cross-border capital, as noted by a source from the Presidential Academy.

Where is Demand from BRICS Partners Already Visible and How is it Converting into Projects?

The first PowerChina project in Russia – the multifunctional complex "YarPark" in Kazan – exemplifies the readiness of Chinese capital to enter regional flagship projects: 29 billion rubles in investments, 302 thousand sq. m of construction, and 13 buildings including a hotel, apartments, a congress hall, and offices, as reported by BUSINESS Online.

Following negotiations between Kazan Mayor Ilsur Metshin and PowerChina CEO Tan Yuhua, the company confirmed its intention to implement the project as an "exemplary case of Russian-Chinese cooperation" and discussed additional areas with the city, including waste processing, water infrastructure, and energy.

What Does Africa Offer: Why is Congo an Opportunity for Russian Companies?

The private sector of Congo, through the Congress of Entrepreneurs (CCEC), is actively seeking Russian partners, prioritizing agriculture (80% of food is imported), energy (including hydropower), industry, waste management, and municipal digitalization, as emphasized in an interview by CCEC President Paul Nestor Muandzibi Ndinga.

"Congo is open! The doors of our country are open to everyone who wants to work honestly and efficiently. The Congolese Congress of Entrepreneurs is ready to be your partner and accompany you at every stage."

Additionally, joint companies with Russian partners (Biovermix and Central Africa Group) have been formed for agricultural projects. A key barrier is the lack of long-term lending within the country (commercial banks offer credits up to three months), pushing businesses to attract external investors and project financing.

What Systemic Consequences for Cooperation within BRICS+ are Already Emerging?

The main effect is transparency and comparability of SEZ regimes, which expedites project "matching" between regions and foreign contractors, reducing transaction costs for entry. This vector – from unified data to new connections in production chains – directly follows from the goal of the "BRICS SEZ Digital Map" to enhance international cooperation and reduce barriers for capital, as noted at the forum.

What Tactical Steps Should Exporters and Investors Take Now?

• Utilize the "BRICS SEZ Digital Map" to create a shortlist of sites with relevant benefits and logistics, based on actual foreign resident demand and revenue dynamics, as reported.
• For pilot projects, focus on sectors already validated by existing cases: construction of multifunctional complexes and urban infrastructure (Kazan–PowerChina), waste processing, water sector, and energy – these directions were discussed within the framework of the Kazan project, as written by BUSINESS Online.
• In Africa, start with "bottlenecks": agribusiness (corn, soybeans, local processing), energy facilities (including hydropower), and urban cleanliness/waste management – these are priorities identified by Congolese businesses.
• Plan financing with consideration for the absence of long-term loans in Congo: emphasize external investments and project schemes with local CCEC partners, as directly stated in the interview.
• Expedite deals through "physical presence": business missions, meetings with ministries and municipalities (Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire), and launching digital projects in urban management – the demand for digitalization has been voiced by the Congolese side.
• In Russia, rely on support from regional authorities: in the Kazan case, direct involvement of the city administration and the republic was a factor in the major investor's decision.

Conclusion: The emergence of a unified digital showcase for BRICS SEZs removes the main barrier – information asymmetry. Against this backdrop, partners' demand is already materializing into concrete deals: Chinese capital is entering Kazan, and Congolese business is opening its doors to Russian projects. The advantage will now go to those who can most quickly match the map of benefits with the real needs of territories and close the financing gap through partnership schemes.