Bill on Economic Zones Set for Duma's Approval

The draft law on special economic zones is set to pass its two remaining readings in the State Duma on Friday, Deputy Economic Development and Trade Minister Andrei Sharonov said Tuesday.

Russia's previous experience with special economic zones "ended in total failure," Sharonov said, speaking at meeting organized by the American Chamber of Commerce. The new legislation, in the works since 2000, aims to avoid past mistakes and "attract new investment," he said.