"We came there with Mr. Lee Kuan Yew": Mikhail Mishustin on how Alabuga was created

08.07.2025

The Prime Minister of the Russian Federation has praised the achievements of the Special Economic Zone "Alabuga".

At the international industrial exhibition 2025 in Yekaterinburg, Mikhail Mishustin expressed his admiration for the work being done in Tatarstan, highlighting the region’s strong commitment to industrial development and the success of the Alabuga SEZ.

"I know how seriously Tatarstan approaches industrial development. Today, Alabuga, as a special economic zone equipped with all the elements of modern and professional manufacturing, is delivering outstanding results," - the Prime Minister said.

While visiting the Tatarstan booth at INNOPROM 2025, Mishustin reflected on a long-ago trip to Suzhou, a special economic zone in China. At the time, he was heading the Federal Agency for Management of Special Economic Zones in Russia and was studying how such zones were blueprinted and developed. He told that after that trip they persuaded Lee Kuan Yew and their Chinese partners to visit Alabuga along with Rustam Minnikhanov.

"Alabuga’s story began with a visit from Lee Kuan Yew and our Chinese colleagues," the Prime Minister noted. "I’m pleased that this cooperation continues today. Today, Alabuga ranks among the top 40 special economic zones globally. In Russia, it’s the absolute leader. Thank you for making the right choice – both in your partners and in your location.”

The Alabuga SEZ continues to be a key driver of industrial growth in Russia, attracting investment and fostering the development of cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities.