In 2014, Russia enacted The Law on Advanced Development Territories.To date, 18 Advanced Development Territories (ADTs) have been established across the Far East and the Arctic, attracting over 850 resident enterprises, with a total investment reaching 3.7 trillion rubles, and leading to the founding of 299 new businesses.

In July 2025, this initiative saw significant progress: Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the law on the establishment of International Advanced Development Territories (IADTs), laying the legal groundwork for this mechanism. The law officially enters into force on January 1, 2026. 

According to the law, an International Advanced Development Territory is defined as a specific area operating under a special legal regime, designed to accelerate regional socio-economic development by attracting foreign investment and fostering high-value-added industries. The establishment of these international zones will help strengthen supply chains and enhance the competitiveness of enterprises in the Far East. Key preferential policies offered to resident enterprises under this initiative include: a zero-profit tax rate for the first 10 years, social insurance contribution rates maintained at a minimum level of 7.6%, priority access to infrastructure, and simplified customs and administrative procedures.

According to the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic, five pilot zones for international advanced development are currently being planned. These include Primorsky Krai, Khabarovsk Krai, Amur Oblast, Zabaykalsky Krai, and the Jewish Autonomous Oblast.

Of these, theHeixiazi Island (Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island) warrants special attention. Situated near the Russian city of Khabarovsk and the Chinese city of Fuyuan, the island possesses unique advantages, combining abundant natural resources with a strategic geographical location. Historically, the status of the island remained undetermined for a long time. It was not until 2004, following negotiations, that the two sides completed the demarcation of the island. This demarcation was the result of long-term diplomatic efforts by both countries to consolidate good-neighborliness and friendship. 

Today, theHeixiazi Island (Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island) has become a unique example of close cooperation between Russia and China in the fields of territorial planning and joint border development. The Chinese section of the island has now become a "development demonstration zone" integrating tourism infrastructure, ecological parks, and green energy.

In 2024, the Russian side initiated the construction of a border crossing connecting to China. The Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic emphasized that the island serves as a core hub for tourism and business cooperation. In the Russian sector, plans are underway to construct a mixed-use passenger and cargo crossing, an international exhibition and convention center, and supporting infrastructure for tourism and leisure.

Even more noteworthy is that in May 2024, the two sides jointly signed the Unified Concept for the Development of theHeixiazi Island (Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island). The signing of this important document fully demonstrates the firm determination of both sides to jointly develop the island. Therefore, the establishment of the International Advanced Development Territory serves as a strategic bridge to the future of the Far East and marks the entry of cooperation with China into a brand-new stage.

Taking the theHeixiazi Island (Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island) pilot area as an example, the joint work currently being carried out by Russia and China vividly embodies the shared goal of moving from mere trade exchanges toward deep integration. This integration encompasses joint production, the co-construction of science and technology parks, and the creation of an integrated tourism space.

Through deep collaboration within the framework of International Advanced Development Territories, our two countries will not only achieve growth in trade volume but also build a modern and diversified industrial system. This will provide a solid guarantee for the sustainable development of the entire macro-region, thereby enabling us to truly join hands in "writing a new chapter in the dialogof civilizations."

Author: Marina Dubrovzhenko, Scholar at Far Eastern Federal University(FEFU), Russia