ODESSA, MARCH 18th, 2015, CONTEXT-PRICHERNOMORIE — The Head of Strategic Development Service of SE “Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority” Vyacheslav Voronoy believes that the restoration of “Porto-Franco” in Odessa is a matter of survival in aggressive competition, Context-Prichernomorie correspondent reports.

Vyacheslav Voronoy noted today, March 18, during a press conference: “The results of the SE “USPA” in 2014 and plans for 2015”.

“Free economic zones are a common international practice. The only place where these zones do not insist is Ukraine. In our opinion, their creation would significantly improve the investment climate, help to attract enough investment. The question of free economic zones is associated not so much with preferences in terms of taxation, as a step by step guide for investors — in terms of design work, expertise, relationships with law…” he noted.

“Today in the Ukrainian ports, there are two free economic zones — in Odessa and Reni port. They exist, but in 2005 all privileges for these zones were abolished. That is, de jure they are, de facto, they are exactly the same as the rest of the port. As for Odessa “Porto-Franco”, it was placed on the territory of Quarantine Pier, taking about 25 hectares of land. Within this zone were realized 5 investment projects, all of which were quite successful, and today the potentialities of this area has not been exhausted.

It is necessary to restore the benefits. It is a matter of survival in an aggressive competitive environment. It should be expanded. Cargo handling in the port of Odessa is significant, therefore, as a promising area of development is considered area of filtration fields.

Today in the General Plan of Odessa are allocated a specific area of filtration fields, which is adjacent to the port. By order of the mayor a working group to study this issue was created,” Mr Voronoy added.