Itar-Tass citing Mr Igor Sechin vice-premier at a meeting with Prime Minister Mr Vladimir Putin as saying that the Russian government can appropriate RUB 7.2 billion for establishing a Special Economic Zone of an industrial type in the Samara Region.

According to calculations of Mr Viktor Khristenko Minister of Industry and Trade who was also present at the meeting with the premier, enterprises for making car components in the OEZ can start operating even in 2012.

Mr Khristenko said that the final whereabouts of a development site would be pinpointed in September. He said that “These are two areas geographically Yelabuga and Samara. Yelabuga will launch final production of cars within the Sollers-FIAT alliance, while production of components will be spread within the Samara and Yelabuga hub.

He added that “The samething is for Renault-AvtoVAZ both possibilities will be used. He also said apart from car components producers, chemical production is planned in the Samara hub, Samara special economic zone.”

Mr Khristenko explained this is connected with Pirelli and the project they implement with Rostekhnologii on production of tyres as well as other businesses.

The ministry also hopes that producers from other industries will come there later. He said that “We also hope that aviation gas turbine engine building, now in operation in Samara, will make use of possibilities of the industrial OEZ.”

(Sourced from Itar-Tass)