The Special Economic Zone (SEZ) “Alga” has entered the top ten of the second ESG rating of SEZs in Russia. This was announced by the Association of Clusters and Technoparks of SEZs (AKIT), Russia, within the framework of the International Forum on SEZs in Dubna. Alga has risen three places in the ranking of sustainable development implementation at SEZ infrastructure sites, taking seventh place.
The management of the Special Economic Zone “Alga” is entrusted to the Development Corporation of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Nail Gabbasov, the Director General of the Development Corporation, discussed the tools used by the agency to implement ESG principles in the operations of the preferential zone.
– The key factor influencing the ESG rating results is the personal progress and development of the management company of the special economic zone. The management team of the Alga SEZ is making significant efforts in this regard. We are creating infrastructure for residents, paying great attention to environmental regulations, and improving corporate governance effectiveness. In addition, in 2022, Alga SEZ became the first preferential zone to publish its non-financial reports publicly. We continue to publish reports on our information platforms for the convenience of potential investors, said Nail Gabbasov.
Earlier, Bashkortostan became one of the pilot regions for implementing the principles of sustainable development on the territory of the SEZ Alga and the Ufa industrial park, which was incorporated into the SEZ in 2023. To determine the effectiveness of implementing ESG principles in the management company’s activities of the Alga SEZ, experts from the AKIT (Russian Federation) conducted an audit. Based on the results, a roadmap with methodological recommendations was developed.
– The implementation of measures aimed at achieving sustainable development goals contributes to the more dynamic and confident development of infrastructure sites. In the context of competition and a variety of preferences, compliance with ESG principles becomes an additional factor in attracting potential residents, Nail Gabbasov said.
Recall that the principles of sustainable development involve a responsible approach to the environment, a high level of social responsibility, and the quality of corporate governance.