Baltics-Belarus Business Opportunity Survey

Transcription

1 Baltics-Belarus Business Opportunity Survey Belarus Estonia Latvia Lithuania May only and does not constitute advice of any kind. The publisher is not liable for any errors or 1

2 Dear Reader, bnt attorneys-at-law 2015 The bnt Baltics-Belarus Business Opportunity Survey provides information about upcoming investment projects in the Baltic States and Belarus. With offices in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Belarus, bnt attorneys-at-law covers this region in all relevant areas of business law, including corporate/m&a, commercial and contract law, litigation and arbitration, tax and administrative/procurement. For further information on the projects presented, please contact our local offices. This publication is for information only; bnt does not represent the project initiators. General contact: Lithuania: Linas Vadeika Latvia: Rūdolfs Kaļķis Estonia: Liis Kelberg Belarus: Valeria Kazlovich Contents: Estonia... 5 Construction of liquefied natural gas terminal... 6 Construction of Gate Tallinn retail park... 7 Construction of Tallinn prison... 8 Construction of Peterburi Rd. shopping centre... 9 Construction of Estonian National Museum Development of green seaside residences Kalaranna residential development Pärnpuu-Pärnõie residential quarter Sale of Estonian Academy of Art premises Further Development of Ülemiste City Development of largest conference centre in Tallinn Architecture competition for Estonian Academy of Arts only and does not constitute advice of any kind. The publisher is not liable for any errors or 2

3 Development of Tondi residential quarter New office building in Tallinn s Freedom Square Development of Admiralty Basin surroundings Construction of new office buildings in Tallinn Construction of submarine railway tunnel (Tallinn Helsinki) New residential quarter at the Noblessner harbour Construction of tramway track extension to Tallinn airport Sale and reconstruction of Tallinn City Hall (Tallinna Linnahall) Major EU financing for Estonia via Rail Baltica project Latvia Construction of Riga Northern Transport Corridor Reconstruction of open-air festival stage Construction of Rail Baltica stretch in Latvia The New Hanza City Reconstruction of New Riga Theatre First Hilton Garden Inn in Baltic States Renovation and development project for Kaļķu Street Transformation of Daugava Sports Stadium New logistics centre in Rāmava Major EU financing for Latvia via Rail Baltica project Business incubators will receive EUR 32.8 million Lithuania Modernization of detention facilities Privatization of Baltija rest house in Palanga Modernization of Lithuanian Zoo in Kaunas Development of Cargo Port in Kaunas Highway A5 Kaunas-Marijampolė-Suwalki Reconstruction of the A14 Vilnius Utena highway Vilnius Multifunctional Complex Lithuanian Airports seek investors Major EU financing for Lithuania via Rail Baltica project only and does not constitute advice of any kind. The publisher is not liable for any errors or 3

4 Belarus Manufacturing of ecobio microalgae-run mini heat power plants Joint Venture in Pharmaceuticals Production Construction of Cement Plant Creation of an Industrial Complex for Medicine Production Mineral Water and Soft Drinks Production Favourable taxation regime: China-Belarus industrial park Favourable taxation regime: Belarusian High-Tech Park Joint Venture for Production of Railway and Large-size Casting Pellet production with ancillary cogeneration at Ivatsevichdrev Investment in Biopharmaceuticals Production Equipment for laser surgery manufacture Construction of nitrogen fertilizer complex at "Grodno Azot" OJSC Multiple-Dwelling Residential Development construction Construction of stone-crushing plant with capacity of 4 mln. m Favourable conditions for business in Mogilevsky district Construction of plant for wind power stations Establishment of Transport & Logistic Centre Construction of hydroelectric power stations Joint venture for shoe production on the basis of existing enterprise Luch Creation of multifunctional centre in the middle of Minsk Production of devices for storing data only and does not constitute advice of any kind. The publisher is not liable for any errors or 4

5 Estonia Eesti bnt Tallinn office Tatari 6, EE Tallinn Phone Fax info.ee@bnt.eu Contact Person(s): Partner Aet Bergmann Phone: aet.bergmann@bnt.eu only and does not constitute advice of any kind. The publisher is not liable for any errors or 5

6 Construction of liquefied natural gas terminal Completion expected in 2019 Elering AS Baltic Connector Oy, Alexela, Vopak E.O.S., Tallinna Sadam AS. Estonia can now build a regional liquefied natural gas terminal At the beginning of October 2015, the Finnish government and the Finnish state enterprise Gasum announced their waiver of the right to build an LNG terminal in Finland. This means that Estonia can now take over construction of the regional terminal. The main part of the terminal construction, at approx. EUR 100 million, will be covered by the European Union. Finland will still continue to take part in the construction of the Baltic connector gas pipeline. In mid-october 2015, the Estonian Elering AS and the Finnish Baltic Connector Oy applied to CEF (Connecting Europe Facility) for co-financing. EUR 500 million In Estonia, Alexela as well as Vopak E.O.S are interested in building the regional terminal. Alexela, which is planning to build the terminal in Paldiski, has already applied to the European Union for co-financing. Vopak E.O.S., whose project has been assessed as the most profitable by the European Commission working group, would build the terminal in Muuga harbour. 6

7 Construction of Gate Tallinn retail park Construction planned to start in 2015 Trigon Capital EUR 200 million A large retail park to be constructed near the city of Tallinn. Gate Tallinn is a 62 ha land area that will be developed into the largest retail park in the eastern Baltic Sea region, featuring regionally-unique big-box stores and the first fashion outlet in the region. Retail parks and fashion outlets, offering a wider selection of goods and better prices than conventional shopping centres, are increasingly popular retail destinations in many emerging markets. The project has one of the best locations in the greater Tallinn area, lying on the main motorway out of Tallinn and the new ring road under construction. The site is bordered by Tallinn s main commuter rail line and has its own railway station. The greater catchment area includes both southern Finland and St. Petersburg. 7

8 Construction of Tallinn prison Initiated in 2012, completion expected at the end of 2018 The Prisons Department of the Ministry of Justice; Fund Ehitus OÜ EUR 73.9 million A new prison to be constructed near Tallinn. Tallinn prison will be the third regional prison in Estonia along with those in Tartu and Jõhvi, replacing the currently used but amortized Rummu and Tallinn prisons. The prison will have the capacity to accommodate some 1300 prisoners. The closed area of the Tallinn prison buildings is m 2 gross. Along with Tallinn prison, a new deportation and internment centre will also be built near the prison. Cell prison, detention centre, health department. 50 ha land in Rae on the outskirts of Tallinn, Soodevahe village and Veneküla village. The prison complex was designed by AS Amhold. Construction will start at the beginning of If construction works proceed as planned, a modern prison complex will be completed by the end of

9 Construction of Peterburi Rd. shopping centre Construction started in May 2014 Pro Capital Grupp (developer); Merko Ehitus (main contractor) EUR 70 million A large shopping centre is under construction in the city of Tallinn. The shopping centre is one of the most dynamic shopping developments in the Baltics as well as the newest and largest regional shopping centre project in Tallinn. The centre is located on the site of a former meat processing plant at the crossing of Peterburi Rd and Tartu Motorway, on the largest and most modern traffic junction in Tallinn within just a few minutes by car from the city centre and at the starting point of motorways to Tartu, Narva and Pärnu. The shopping centre will accommodate over 200 shops on ca m 2 of GLA. Building volume will total m 2. The shopping centre will also form part of a major public transport terminal, which is one of the most important infrastructure developments of the city in the near future, incorporating connections to the airport and to the future Rail Baltica international railway station in addition to local lines. The developer of the centre has announced that the preparation process has proceeded as planned. The m 2 entertainment complex of the centre has been covered by agreements and the surrounding infrastructure is finished. Construction works for the shopping centre began at the end of May Completion is expected in the fall of

10 Construction of Estonian National Museum Completion expected 2016 Eesti Kultuurkapital; Riigi Kinnisvara AS, OÜ Fund Ehitus (main contractor). EUR 76 million Construction of new building for the Estonian National Museum. In 1998 the Estonian parliament adopted a resolution that recognized the main principles of Estonian cultural policy. The resolution envisaged construction of a new building for the Estonian National Museum as one of the main priorities. The final decision for restoring ENM at Raadi was made in The Memory Field project by Dan Dorell, Lina Ghotmeh and Tsuyoshi Tane was chosen as a result of an architectural competition for the new building held in Construction of the building itself is nearing completion. Construction works will now continue inside the building. 10

11 Development of green seaside residences Completion of Kopli Strand residential area up for development first stage expected in 2018 As a result of a second public tender, this development project was finally sold to Fund Ehitus. The city of Tallinn had been looking for a buyer for eight years. Completion of final stage The aim of the project is to open the urban space in the north-western direction, to expected in 2026 recondition the area by creating a safe high-quality living environment with the required infrastructure and to enliven the city by adding new green areas. The site is located on the Kopli peninsula, five kilometres from Tallinn Old Town and the Fund Ehitus city centre. The development project area covers ca 17 ha; the area of the lot with effective building rights is 6.6 ha. EUR million. The developer is planning to finish the project in 12 years. Construction work will start in Since the area is divided into six quarters, it will be completed in stages. Completion of the final stage is expected in

12 Kalaranna residential development Establishment of detailed plan currently in progress City Municipality of Tallinn Development of luxury apartment buildings and marina. Kalaranna residential development project, located in the northern borough of Tallinn, foresees a series of luxury apartment buildings offering a sumptuous view of Tallinn s coastline. The location right next to the sea, Tallinn Old Town and city centre is attractive and enjoys good access by both car and public transport. A detailed plan has already been partly established but not fully approved. The project is expected to be developed in one stage and will include a yacht marina. Overall, the project is targeted at upscale individual buyers who prefer to live in the proximity of a city centre and appreciate a sea view along with a completed quay that will provide moorings for private boats. Total investment projected at EUR million The building volume of the development project covers

13 Pärnpuu-Pärnõie residential quarter No significant dates indicated PINDI Realia Group area divided into two lots: Pärnpuu (2.12 ha) at EUR and Pärnõie (2.45 ha) at EUR The entire lot can be purchased for EUR Luxury residential quarter near the town of Pärnu. The site is situated on the picturesque shore of the River Sauga, a five-minute drive by car from Pärnu city. The project is located in the immediate proximity of Pärnu city, in Audru borough, which is the biggest and most quickly developing part of Pärnu and famous for its historical events and monuments. A wonderful health resort, a famous golf course, and many other opportunities for spending a fine free time are located nearby. The quarter consists of 14 lots, each with an area of m 2 to m 2. Five lots are planned beside the River Sauga, with another nine lots on the other side of the nearest motorway. Electricity is connected and a detailed plan has been approved. 13

14 Sale of Estonian Academy of Art premises Long-term intention, no specific dates indicated Estonian Academy of Arts Approx. EUR 7.1 million Premises at the Estonian Academy of Art offered for development. A property of m 2 in Tallinn city centre will definitely provoke interest among developers because very few investment opportunities are left in similar locations. The Estonian Academy of Art has confirmed that the property will be sold. According to a property valuation in spring 2013, the real estate was worth EUR 7.1 Million. At the beginning of May 2014, the Estonian Academy of Art decided to proceed with a plan to sell its two city centre properties to fund the purchase of new premises. The property in Tartu mnt 1/Gonsiori 6 is now being sold with a starting price of EUR 6.9 million, and the building at Suur-Kloostri 11/Nunne 16 (situated in Tallinn Old Town) with a starting price of EUR 3 million. 14

15 Further Development of Ülemiste City A new office building to be completed by the end of 2015 City Municipality of Tallinn Not indicated Ülemiste City, established on the site of the former Dvigatel factory, located in the middle of Tallinn Airport, the eastern branch of the railway and Tartu motorway, continues to evolve. Over the next 15 years, the business campus will be further developed as a multifunctional city space, which will provide ca 200,000 m 2 office space (of which m 2 have been built since), m 2 apartment space and m 2 parking space. According to the developers, Ülemiste City can be regarded as an estimated billion euro development project. Under the new architectural design approved at the beginning of 2014, over the next years Ülemiste City will become a fully-fledged modern quarter with integrated business and living environments and public services. In 2015, construction will start on the largest office building in Estonia Öpiku maja with m 2 of closed office space. 15

16 Development of largest conference centre in Tallinn Planned for completion by 2018 Enterprise Estonia EUR 65 million (incl. EUR 20 million contribution from E.E.) An opportunity to take part in creating Estonia s largest conference centre. Enterprise Estonia (Ettevõtluse Arendamise Sihtasutus) is planning to establish a multifunctional conference and exhibition centre, the largest in Estonia. Research by Enterprise Estonia showed several positive sides to Estonia that would attract a considerable number of international conferences to Estonia but a centre that would cover the needs of top-level major conferences is missing. According to the research, building the centre in Tallinn would cost EUR 65 million. The research recommended building a centre with a plenary hall of m 2, additional space and exhibition area of m 2. The research concluded that the best location would be Ülemiste City, Linnahall or the area between Noblessner and the Seaplane Harbour. However, entrepreneurs from Saaremaa are lobbying for the centre to be established in Saaremaa. Estonian Investment Corporation OÜ proposed that the conference centre could be built under the roof of Tallinn Airport. The next step is to find potential private investors in order to negotiate and find out how much the private sector is willing to invest and how big the state contribution should be. 16

17 Architecture competition for Estonian Academy of Arts Winners announced in August 2014 State Real Estate Ltd; Estonian Academy of Arts Prize fund EUR New building planned for Estonian Arts Academy. State Real Estate AS (Riigi Kinnisvara AS) in collaboration with the Estonian Academy of Arts held an architecture competition for a new building complex in Kotzebue Street. The objective was to create a modern environment that supports the development of arts, culture and synergies as well as inspiring students and lecturers in the historic factory building designed by E. Habermann. The winners of the competition were announced at the end of August The best project with the title Linea was created by former students of the Estonian Academy of Arts and young architects from KUU architects office. The project will be financed by funds from the next financing period of EU Structural Funds as well as the academy s own resources, mostly from the sale of the academy s former premises. Studies are planned to start in the new location in

18 Development of Tondi residential quarter First building completed in March 2015 LAAM Kinnisvara OÜ, Pro Kapital Grupp AS ca EUR million New residential block under construction in the city centre periphery of Tallinn. Tondi Quarter is one of the largest residential blocks in the Baltic States, located in Kristiine borough, a residential area in the city centre periphery of Tallinn. Building volume of the project will be m2 including underground parking ca 28,000 m2. The unique project foresees impressive red brick buildings smoothly integrated with the modern architecture that will rise over the hill in the centre of the new block, providing a series of apartment and office buildings built on land plots historically occupied by barracks. The location is attractive for a residential area: close to the city centre but at a distance from main roads. The detailed plan has been established and construction works have started. The project is expected to be developed in five stages. 18

19 New office building in Tallinn s Freedom Square No significant dates indicated AS Kawe Group, City Municipality of Tallinn A new office building with m2 of office space in total will be constructed in Tallinn s Freedom Square. A work entitled Kawe City won an architectural competition held by real estate company Kawe and Tallinn City Municipality. Kawe City will be a modern office building with conservative architectural language, in line with the older architecture of Freedom Square. At the moment, a detailed plan is under consideration. The architectural competition was largely meant to state the volume of the building, but the developers have promised to stick to the architecture in the construction phase as well. Not indicated. 19

20 Development of Admiralty Basin surroundings First part to be completed by fall 2016 OÜ Capital Mill; Delta- Max Group ca. EUR 200 million. Surroundings of the Admiralty basin at the heart of Tallinn will be turned into an outstanding city centre. Two leading real estate developers, OÜ Capital Mill and Delta-Max Group, are planning to invest a total of ca EUR 200 million in the most valuable plots in Tallinn to create m 2 of living and business area. Construction of a complex of four different looking buildings with a total cost of EUR 25 million and a total area of m 2 started in the fall of The complex, called Promenade House, will contain 120 luxury apartments and m 2 of commercial space at the street level. The buildings will be finished by fall At the same time, an international architects office is finalising the other, much larger project at the Admiralty basin. The volume of this development will be over m 2 and the size of the investment EUR million. The developer, Delta-Max Group, is mainly planning to build first class offices but possibly also several luxury rental apartments. Large and small investors are sought for this project. Preparations for construction started in

21 Construction of new office buildings in Tallinn Completion expected in In the next few years, seven new office buildings with m2 of class A office space will be built in Tallinn. 1. Norwegian House, Baltika Quarter (2016): Kawe Grupp AS / Total area: m 2 / No. of floors: 7 2. Tehnopol2KV office building (2015): Tehnopol / Total area: m 2 / No. of floors: 6-8/-1 3. Kai 1 office building (2016): Capital Mill / Total area: m 2 / No. of floors: 6/-2 4. Novira Plaza (2016): Novira Capital / Total area: m 2 / No. of floors: 15/-2 5. Lõõtsa 5 office building (2015): Tehnopolis Ülemiste / Total area: m 2 / No. of floors: Öpiku Building (2016): Mainor Ülemiste AS / Total area: m 2 / No. of floors: 13/-1 7. Büroo 83 (2016): Novira Capital / Total area: m 2 / No of floors:

22 Construction of submarine railway tunnel (Tallinn Helsinki) Completion expected City Municipality of Tallinn EUR 9-13 billion The Tallinn to Helsinki tunnel is a proposed undersea tunnel that would span the Gulf of Finland and connect the Estonian and Finnish capitals. The length of the tunnel would be around 50 km, depending on the route taken. It would significantly increase the carriage of passengers as well as goods between the two states and connect the whole of Scandinavia into a single railway network. A submarine tunnel would reduce the travel time between Tallinn and Helsinki to 30 minutes. According to a feasibility study conducted by experts from Estonia, Finland and Sweden, construction of a submarine tunnel between the two capitals, along with traffic management, logistic centers and vehicles, would cost EUR 9-13 billion. A preliminary study estimates the period of return to be around years. About per cent of the construction costs should fall on the shoulders of the Estonian and Finnish governments and the EU. The rest is expected from private investors. Upon completion, the Tallinn-Helsinki tunnel would be the longest submarine tunnel in the world. 22

23 New residential quarter at the Noblessner harbour Completion of first building expected in 2017 Kalaranna Arenduse OÜ; A new residential quarter with 210 apartments will be built at Noblessner harbour. The Noblessner quarter is a unique residential development in Estonia - four residential buildings with commercial spaces on the ground floor will be built directly at the seaside, next to the Noblessner yacht harbour. The developer of the area with a size of 1.7 ha is Kalaranna Arenduse OÜ, a joint company established by AS Merko Ehitus and BLRT Grupp Aktsiaselts. The aim of the development is to create a human friendly environment with space and possibilities for different activities for people of any age. With squares, playgrounds, recreation areas, the area is open to the seaside. The public area of the quarter offers possibilities for organizing open air events. At the same time, local people can have their privacy in their inner courtyards. Construction work will start at the end of 2015, and the first building will be finished by spring

24 Construction of tramway track extension to Tallinn airport Completion expected at the end of 2017 AS Merko Ehitus Eesti KMG Inseneriehituse AS Value: EUR 11 million By tram from the city centre to the airport Construction of the tramway track extension to Tallinn airport will start at the end of Estimated project cost is EUR 11.5 million. As a part of the project, a 100 metre tunnel will be built from the tramway terminal stop to the airport itself. The tramway extension will also pass through the planned public transport terminal as well as Ülemiste City. The length of the new tramway will be 2 km. Tallinna Linnatranspordi AS (public transportation company owned by the city of Tallinn) has already applied for funding from CEF (Connecting Europe Facility). The city of Tallinn will finance 15% of the total cost of the project. Completion of the project is expected at the end of

25 Sale and reconstruction of Tallinn City Hall (Tallinna Linnahall) Owner: city of Tallinn Estimated project value: aprox. EUR million. Parts of Tallinn City Hall to be sold to finance reconstruction of its concert hall Tallinn City Hall, situated right next to Tallinn harbour, was built for the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics. The building consists of three parts: a concert hall situated in the middle of the complex, an ice rink and a harbour on the north side. The building has not been used since The city of Tallinn has spent years looking for investors. Since there has been no success so far, the owner has now decided to divide the building into smaller parts, which will then be sold. The city of Tallinn is also planning to sell the surrounding plots. Money from sales would be used for reconstruction of the concert hall. Although the building is of value in terms of heritage conservation, the rules set out for it are not too strict: extensions and alterations are possible, but the architectural appearance and external finish have to be preserved. It is possible to add one to two floors to the north side of the building. This space could then be used for commercial and business purposes. The location of the building is also ideal for tourism. The state would like to see it as a new representative conference centre. 25

26 Major EU financing for Estonia via Rail Baltica project The Rail Baltica project opens the way for new construction related public procurement in the Baltic States. The Rail Baltica project aims to lay a new 1435 mm wide European standard railway line across the Baltic States, replacing the old 1520 mm Russian railway line and providing south-north oriented integration into Europe s railway infrastructure. The track will span 728 km and will link Warsaw-Kaunas-Riga-Tallinn. This modern and environmentally friendly railway will carry passengers at the speed of 170 km/h and cargo at the speed of 68 km/h. A joint venture of the Baltic States, RB Rail, has been established to oversee realization of the project. In total the EU has granted EUR 734 million for the whole project. EU financing is estimated to cover 85% of the whole project cost, while the rest will be supplemented by the participant states. Estonia hosts ca 200 kilometres of the entire Rail Baltic route with a cost appraised around EUR 1.3 billion. During the first call for proposals Estonia applied for EUR 191 million, to be used for detailed design of railway alignment plus environmental and other surveys. These funds enable the start of preliminary construction work on railway embankments, overpasses and other objects required for railway transportation. A substantial role in this project in addition to RB Rail AS will be carried out by the Estonian Technical Surveillance Authority and Rail Baltic Estonia OÜ. During the second half of 2016 negotiations with current real estate owners are likely to take place, in order to purchase the land necessary for construction. The most likely route passes through ca 750 immovable properties. The property acquisition process is planned to be carried out in Construction of the railway itself is scheduled to begin by the end of

27 Latvia Latvija bnt Rīga office Alberta iela 13, Rīga, LV-1010 Phone Fax info.lv@bnt.eu Contact Person(s): Partner Theis Klauberg LL.M. Phone: theis.klauberg@bnt.eu 27

28 Construction of Riga Northern Transport Corridor Construction planned to commence from 2015 to 2018 Completion expected 2022 Municipality of Riga (3 stages); Ministry of Transport (final stage) EUR 1.4 billion Renovations and enhancements are being applied to the Pärnu motorway. The Riga Northern Transport Corridor is considered to be Riga s largest transport infrastructure project in recent decades. Objectives of the project include diverting traffic from Riga city centre plus improving city centre environmental and living conditions. Construction of the Northern Corridor will connect Riga Freeport to the Trans European (TEN-T) road network, improve the transport infrastructure system in Riga and its metropolitan area and increase the city s growth opportunities and international competitiveness. According to the Riga and Pieriga Mobility plan, the Northern Corridor is considered a priority project. Implementation of the project will result in a convenient high-speed motorway crossing Riga from east to west and bypassing the historic city centre. The overall planned length of the road is 30 km. The western part of the Northern Corridor will connect to the Riga bypass at Babite and will lead to the Riga Jurmala Ventspils motorway (junction at Priedaine). The eastern part of the Northern Corridor will connect to the Vidzeme motorway at Bergi. The Northern Corridor will be integrated into the network of Riga s arterial streets with 9-12 multi-level junctions. The motorway will also cross the 0.4 km wide River Daugava. 28

29 Reconstruction Construction of of Rail open-air Baltica festival stretch stage in Latvia Construction commences 2014, completion expected by Municipality of Riga EUR 28 million Reconstruction of open air stage for the Latvian Song and Dance Festival. In mid-2007 Riga City Council announced a new international design competition. The competitors were expected to produce rational, structurally innovative and acoustically impeccable proposals for transforming the stage which would include a roof with a system of acoustic elements, partial transformation of choir stands, transformation of the spectator amphitheatre, construction of new stands in the rear part of the amphitheatre and installation of transformable spectator bench systems. An additional requirement was that in the periods between song festivals, the complex should be used for concerts and mass events involving advanced audio and video technologies. At the moment the winner of the international sketch competition for the song and dance festival open air stage reconstruction is Latvian architectural practice SIA Arhitekta J. Pogas Birojs. The open air stage should be ready for the next song and dance festival in 2018, so that the planned start of reconstruction was

30 The New Hanza City Completion expected in Pillar holding, ABLV EUR 250 million 5 year investment plan 160 million Construction of Hanza City financial centre. In the next five years New Hanza City will receive EUR 160 million investment to continue construction work under a new development plan. New Hanza City is planned to be a regional financial centre with office buildings for several financial institutions including the ABLV Bank central building. The new urban district will have six-floor office buildings, a museum, a park and two kinds of park house type apartment buildings. The area for the project is between Pulkveza Brieza, Hanzas, Skanstes and Sporta streets. The next five year plan includes constructing and installing piping, underground parking and the central part of the project which would include office buildings and the ABLV bank headquarters. Construction is planned to put into operation a number of building lots by 2033, although construction rates will depend on the situation in the real estate market. According to the authors of the project, the area will contain a number of office buildings, including the A / S "ABLV Bank" building, a four or five-star hotel, a conference centre, shopping gallery and entertainment area. Office buildings will occupy ca m2 total area, the commercial and public area 20,000 m2 and the hotel m2. The prospective development is located within the protected zone of the Riga historic centre. 30

31 Reconstruction of New Riga Theatre Completion expected at the end of 2018 Ministry of Culture EUR 7 million An opportunity to expand the New Riga Theatre. The New Riga Theatre is a professional repertory theatre that provides innovative art corresponding to the requirements of the independently-thinking contemporary spectator both in content and form. In the course of time the historic building has been adapted for the needs of the theatre but today has become too small to be able to absorb the growing number of spectators. The New Riga Theatre will be provided with appropriate premises reconstructing the theatre complex of buildings in accordance with modern requirements, while maximizing respect for the historic atmosphere of the building. The New Riga Theatre needs modernization of the stage, the auditorium and adjacent space reconstruction. Area: m

32 First Hilton Garden Inn in Baltic States Construction due to finish in late spring 2016; by LNK Industries managed by P.M.G. The first Hilton Worldwide representative in the Baltic States will be built in Riga and constructed by Latvian company LNK Industries. Hilton Garden Inn Rīga Valdemarā will be 10 stories high and situated in Pārdaugava, on K.Valdemarā iela. The hotel will offer 138 rooms plus a 24/7 restaurant, bar, gym and multi-functional 400 m 2 conference room. 32

33 Renovation and development project for Kaļķu Street No significant dates indicated AS Baltic RE Group, ABLV Bank Initial investment for development EUR 28 million AS Baltic RE Group in financial cooperation with ABLV Bank has invested EUR 28 million in historic buildings located in Riga Old Town. The intention of the investment is to make Kaļķu Street a family-friendly shopping street. Kaļķu Street buildings will be reconstructed and modernized for shopping street needs with a total leasable area of m 2. The shopping complex will include six items of real estate: Kaļķu Street 15, Kaļķu Street 12/14, Kaļķu Street 6 and (crossing the street) Kungu Street 1, Krāmu Street 2 and Šķūņu Street 19. In total the shopping street will consist of 19 buildings and the complex will have capacity for 35 different shops. Baltic AS RE Group CEO Giovanni Dalla Zonko emphasized that Riga will benefit from the transaction because it is the central city of the Baltic States with significant tourism potential. 33

34 Transformation of Daugava Sports Stadium Expected start of reconstruction 2017 VSIA Culture and Daugava Sports Centre EUR 47 million By investing EUR 47 million, Daugava Sports Stadium will be reconstructed as a culture and sport event amphitheatre. Daugava Sports stadium will be reconstructed to fit higher quality standards and to increase the capacity of the amphitheatre. The existing seating is only for The goal is to make the stadium more attractive for big concerts and national pastime events. The objective of the reconstruction is to make an amphitheatre in Riga centre for high profile sports, music and dance events and also the hosting venue for national dance and song festivals. Project planning has just begun and the necessary preparation work for the renovation and EU fund allocation are in implementation stages. 34

35 New logistics centre in Rāmava No significant dates to indicate Sanitex group EUR 25 million Sanitex is establishing a new high-tech logistics centre in Rāmava with storage space of up to m 2. Sanitex has received a loan of EUR 17.4 million from SEB Bank for company development. The SEB Bank loan together with additional resources will constitute EUR 25 million, a sum to be invested in buying property and building a new, high-tech logistics centre. The centre will increase the quantity and quality of warehousing and logistic services in the Baltic States and will create 500 jobs. The centre will provide excise warehouse services and ease efficient handling of merchandise. 35

36 Major EU financing for Latvia via Rail Baltica project The Rail Baltica project opens the way for new construction related public procurement in the Baltic States. The Rail Baltica project aims to lay a new 1435 mm wide European standard railway line across the Baltic States, replacing the old 1520 mm Russian railway line and providing south-north oriented integration into Europe s railway infrastructure. The track will span 728 km and will link Warsaw-Kaunas-Riga-Tallinn. This modern and environmentally friendly railway will carry passengers at the speed of 170 km/h and cargo at the speed of 68 km/h. A joint venture of the Baltic States, RB Rail, has been established to oversee realization of the project. In total the EU has granted EUR 734 million for the whole project. EU financing is estimated to cover 85% of the whole project cost, while the rest will be supplemented by the participant states. The Rail Baltica environmental impact evaluation report has been discussed and accepted at all municipal public hearings. During the period from April to November 2015, cooperation between local government and citizens groups resulted in more specific track location: an approximately 300 metre wide possible railway track location has narrowed to a 60 metre wide corridor. Overall there have been more than 1000 electronic and face to face consultations to ensure the route is suitable for everyone. 36

37 Business incubators will receive EUR 32.8 million No significant dates to indicate LIAA EUR 32.8 mil. Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) will provide funding for new regional companies and startups. Investment aims to support creation and development of new and competitive businesses in Latvia s regions. LIDA will provide businesses with an entrepreneurial environment plus consultations and advice in general and on specific business matters. Available funding will consist of EUR 25.7 million in regional development field and EUR 7.1 million for startups, overall a great possibility to start business in Latvia. 37

38 Lithuania Lietuva bnt Vilnius office Kalinausko str. 24, LT Vilnius Phone Fax info.lt@bnt.eu Contact Person(s): Partner Frank Heemann LL.M. 38

39 Phone: frank.heemann@bnt.eu Modernization of detention facilities Completion expected by 2022 Ministry of Justice; Lithuanian Prison Department EUR 40 million for new facility in Vilnius; EUR 290 million for the whole programme. A public-private partnership to modernize detention facilities in Lithuania. In July 2014 the Lithuanian Government approved a new detention facilities modernisation programme with a scheduled deadline for The programme involves construction of a new detention facility on the outskirts of Vilnius and construction of new detention facilities in Šiauliai, Klaipėda and Panevėžys on a PPP basis. As to timing, the Vilnius detention facility, with 1620 beds ( m 2 ), will be the first to tender out. It is expected that a new detention facility near Vilnius will be built and the inmates currently held in Lukiškės prison (located in the city centre) will be moved out. After this project, the next project in the pipeline is Šiauliai detention facility, with 800 beds. The government is prepared to invest a large portion of budget funds, but private coinvestors are also sought. Any interested investors are invited to join the government in investing their funds and executing the project as a PPP. The plan is for the partnership to last for 22 years, during which the private partner will develop and maintain the infrastructure and the government, in return, will pay an annual fee of EUR 13 million. After the partnership, the government takes over ownership of the infrastructure. 39

40 Privatization of Baltija rest house in Palanga No significant dates indicated; State Asset Fund EUR 6 million. Market participants are anticipating an announcement on the privatization of desirable real estate on the Baltic Sea coast. Baltija is the biggest rest and treatment complex in the Lithuanian resort town of Palanga, which includes different levels of hotels: the 2 star Vyturys hotel (conference room, health service facilities and rehabilitation centre), the 3 star Zilvinas hotel (24 rooms, tennis courts, aesthetics and beauty centre), the Estetic Italia Baltic aesthetics and beauty centre and the Baltija rehabilitation centre. At the moment, services are not available, as the buildings have not been renovated. The government decided to dispose of the shares in the complex to the Ministry of Economy. The market value of buildings, structure and other assets is ca EUR 6 million. This will be the value of the registered capital of a new company which will restructure the state-owned enterprise. After restructuring, the Ministry of Economy will decide on transfer of the complex to the State Asset Fund, which in turn will start the process of privatization. 40

41 Modernization of Lithuanian Zoo in Kaunas No significant dates indicated Kaunas City Council, Ministry of Environment EUR 11.5 million. An optimistic future for the unmodernized Lithuanian Zoo. The Kaunas City Council has approved a detailed plan for modernization of the city zoo. According to the Ministry of Environment, which is the acting manager of the building, this decision opens the way for EUR 11.5 million EU financial support. According to the company Project Training centre, which performed a feasibility study on the zoo s modernization, modernization would require an injection of EUR 29 million. The EUR 11.5 million is just for the first step. Kaunas zoo houses some 2020 animals, many of them belonging to endangered species. The zoo is a candidate for membership of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, involved in the European breeding programme of rare and endangered animals. Area of zoo: 15.6 ha. 41

42 Development of Cargo Port in Kaunas No significant dates indicated Ministry of Transport and Communications EUR 11 million. An initiative to revive waterways near Kaunas by installing a new pier at Marvelė. This project would be conducted under a concession agreement. The concessionaire would be responsible for building infrastructure, repairs and maintenance, mooring barges, cargo loading, renting warehouses and other related services. The partnership would last for up to 25 years. The government has approved an amount of approximately EUR 85 million + VAT as a maximum contribution from the state over the concession period. An investment of at least EUR 11 million is expected from the private partner. 42

43 Highway A5 Kaunas-Marijampolė-Suwalki Procurement proceedings anticipated in the third quarter 2016 Lithuanian road administration Highway A5, part of the Via Baltica, connecting the cities of Kaunas, Marijampolė and Suwalki is in process of reconstruction. The project is divided into four parts. The first and second stages are in progress, while the procurement procedures for the third and fourth stages of the project will be initiated in the third quarter 2016, starting with the public announcement of the technical documentation. 43

44 Reconstruction of the A14 Vilnius Utena highway Project duration: years Lithuanian road administration. EUR 170 million Highway A14 connecting the cities of Vilnius and Utena is in need of reconstruction: a PPP project is initiated to supply it. Lithuanian parliament has approved a PPP project for reconstructing and maintaining km of highway No A14 road that connects the capital city with the city of Utena. The partnership is estimated to last for years, reconstruction itself taking place in the period Built over 80 years ago, highway A14 is one of the worst maintained roads in the country. Reconstruction of the highway is imminent as Vilnius continues to expand in the direction of Utena and car traffic increases. Lithuanian parliament has confirmed the budget of EUR 170 million (EUR 60 million for the construction and EUR 110 million for the later maintenance. At the moment the Lithuanian Road Administration under the Ministry of Transport and Communications is in the process of drafting conditions for the procurement. First draft of technical specifications and other documents might be published as soon as this summer. 44

45 Vilnius Multifunctional Complex Provisional tender publication date: 2016 Central Project Management Agency Estimated investment costs.: Not less than EUR 77million Within the next years a new multifunctional health, education, culture and business support centre complex will be established in North Vilnius. The following activities will be implemented: 1. Territory cleaning territory cleaning and preparation for investment, installation of engineering network, adjusting the territory for social and commercial activities. 2. Pre-school facility for 300 children (playgrounds, game arbours, footways, greenery). 3. Infrastructure for informal education 3 football pitches, 1 athletics field, 3 basketball halls,1 handball hall, administrative facilities, hostel facilities for 100 persons. 4. Incubator and facilities for cultural, creative and sports activities. 5. Communication and information centre infrastructure for communication and information centre, transferring Šeškinė branch of Vilnius city library. 6. Lithuanian Sports Museum transferring the facility from Kaunas. 7. Infrastructure for public cultural and sporting events up to seats. 45

46 Lithuanian Airports seek investors Concession agreement expected in 2017 Lithuanian Airports - Preparations are under for state owned company Lithuanian Airports to enter into a concession agreement with a private investor at the end of Possible concessionaires are already being sought. The government has approved a plan for Lithuanian Airports to enter into a concession arrangement. The state-owned company needs private investment to expand and modernise the airport infrastructure and operational efficiency as demand for air travel keeps steadily growing in Lithuania. In exchange for private investment, the concessionaire would gain the privilege of operating the infrastructure and carrying out commercial activities at Vilnius (VNO), Kaunas (KUN) and Palanga (PLQ) airports for up to years. The state would keep ownership of all infrastructure objects. No solid estimates are available yet as to the value of the concession agreement. Final approval of this plan requires consent by the parliament of Lithuania which is next in line to consider the government approved version of the project. 46

47 Major EU financing for Lithuania via Rail Baltica project The Rail Baltica project opens the way for new construction related public procurement in the Baltic States. The Rail Baltica project aims to lay a new 1435 mm wide European standard railway line across the Baltic States, replacing the old 1520 mm Russian railway line and providing south-north oriented integration into Europe s railway infrastructure. The track will span 728 km and will link Warsaw-Kaunas-Riga-Tallinn. This modern and environmentally friendly railway will carry passengers at the speed of 170 km/h and cargo at the speed of 68 km/h. A joint venture of the Baltic States, RB Rail, has been established to oversee realization of the project. In total the EU has granted EUR 734 million for the whole project. EU financing is estimated to cover 85% of the whole project cost, while the rest will be supplemented by the participant states. Construction is under way in Lithuania, with the track from Warsaw to Kaunas already completed and an extension from Kaunas to the Latvian border next in line and expected to be done by The total length of the line in Lithuania will amount to 264 km. The state has appointed state owned enterprise Lietuvos Geležinkeliai AB to oversee realization of the project in Lithuania. Lithuania s Ministry of Transport has received a EUR million grant directly from the EU in addition to a EUR 25.4 million share from the Baltic States RB Rail joint venture. As construction progresses, the state appointed enterprise Lietuvos Geležinkeliai AB is constantly organising public procurement to acquire materials, work and services from private suppliers. This means many opportunities for investment in infrastructure development and construction related procurement. 47

48 Belarus Беларусь bnt Minsk office Revolutsionnaya str. 9-40, BY Minsk Phone Fax Contact Person(s): Partner Alexander A. Ließem Phone

49 Manufacturing of ecobio microalgae-run mini heat power plants Sector: Biotechnologies Significant dates: The project is intended to launch manufacturing of ecobio biomass-run (microalgae) mini heat power plants. It is worth implementing because biomass fuel conversion technology is energy efficient, resource saving and environmentally-friendly. Additionally, one of the main reasons for locating production in Belarus is the availability of highly skilled scientific and engineering personnel. Great Stone Industrial Park USD 25 million 49

50 Joint Venture in Pharmaceuticals Production No significant dates indicated National Agency for Investment and Privatization of the Republic of Belarus (NAIP); RUE Belmedpreparaty EUR 15.3 million Opportunity to gain a foothold in the Belorussian pharmaceutical market. This project involves creation of a joint venture for production of drugs complying with international standards for drug release in the form of tablets or capsules, and sterile packaged powders for preparation of a solution for infusion on the basis of RUE Belmedpreparaty. Foreign investors share will be 75 % and the share of RUE Belmedpreparaty 25 %. Investor preferences include: - developed transport infrastructure (the enterprise is located within 0.5 km from the railway station and 1.5 km from a motorway); - developed trademark; - in-depth network of commercial relations; - demand for production on the Belarusian market; - registered licences and patents. 50

51 Construction of Cement Plant No significant dates indicated National Agency of Investment and Privatization of the Republic of Belarus (NAIP); Gomel oblast executive committee. New cement plant in the Gomel region. This project involves construction and operation of a cement plant in Vetka district of Gomel region and further exploitation for production of cement and chalk of Podkamenie raw materials deposits located in the territory of the region. EUR 227 million 51

52 Creation of an Industrial Complex for Medicine Production No significant dates indicated OJSC BelVitunifarm ; Vitebsk oblast executive committee. EUR 48.6 million Creation of a single industrial complex for biological and pharmaceutical medicine production. This project looks for creation of a new pharmaceutical venture (Greenfield investment) in the city of Vitebsk for production of drugs and veterinary pharmaceuticals. The exact foreign investor share is not yet defined. Project preferences include: - developed business plan; - production facilities and land plot; - existing network for supply of raw materials; - registered licences and patents. 52

53 Mineral Water and Soft Drinks Production No significant dates indicated Vitebskpischepro m state union of food industry enterprises in Vitebsk region Construction of soft drinks factory. This investment project aims for construction of a soft drinks and mineral water factory and incorporation of a joint venture (stock company). The factory s planned yearly revenue is EUR 9.2 million. The pay-back period is 5 years. The company will be located in Orshansky region close to the railway station. A land plot will be assigned. Additional privileges are possible. EUR 18.7 million 53

54 Favourable taxation regime: China-Belarus industrial park Planned to operate until 2062 Industrial Park Development Company, CJSC; China-Belarus Park Administration. - An industrial park offering exceptional conditions for manufacturers is being established near Minsk. The China-Belarus industrial park is located within 25 km. from Minsk, near the national airport and offering a favourable taxation regime for its residents. Companies incorporated in the Park territory that attract over EUR 4 million in investment with an approved business plan may enjoy a favourable tax and customs regime. The second largest Chinese corporation ZTE joined the China-Belarus industrial park in January As announced on 25 November 2013 ZTE corporation, Huawei and Lenovo are planning to join the China-Belarus industrial park and launch electronics production lines there. 54

55 Favourable taxation regime: Belarusian High-Tech Park No significant dates indicated Hi-Tech Park Administration - A high-tech industrial park is being established in Minsk, attracting modern technology enterprises. The Belarusian Hi-Tech Park (HTP) provides a favourable business environment for its IT and software development residents. Although HTP is located in Minsk, it is not necessary to incorporate a company within its boundaries. After submitting a business plan relevant for the industry, a company registered in Belarus may obtain HTP resident status. At present nearly 134 companies have already become HTP residents, including such leading companies as EPAM Systems, HTC Belarus, Itransition, Sberbank-Technology. Residents of the park are granted numerous tax and customs preferences. 55

56 Joint Venture for Production of Railway and Large-size Casting No significant dates indicated OJSC Belarusian Autoworks ( BELAZ ) EUR 182 million Joint venture for production of metallurgical products. This project involves the manufacture of high-quality rolling stock casting and large-size casting mostly for the Belarusian and Customs Union market. The joint venture will be incorporated in the Mogilev free economic zone, so there are some tax preferences: - VAT rate is reduced to 10% from 20%; - exemption from income taxes for 5 years since the taxable profit; reduced profit tax rate of 12 % after initial 5 years; - exemption from property tax. 56

57 Pellet production with ancillary cogeneration at Ivatsevichdrev Sector: Forestry and woodworking industry Significant dates: OJSC Ivatsevichdrev 55.2 Mln Dollars The European market for pellets is expected to grow from 15 million tons (in 2012) to 38 million tons (in 2025). In order to ensure these indicators, new pellet production with capacity of some 8 million tons should be established by Taking into account the profitable geographic location of JSC Ivatsevichdrev and predicted significant growth of pellet consumption in EU countries, it makes sense to restructure the wood particle board shop (now closed down) in favour of pellet production (the plan is to use only raw materials storage, so that construction of a new production building is required). 57

58 Investment in Biopharmaceuticals Production No significant dates indicated Industrial park Great Stone Greenfield investment An opportunity to establish biopharmaceutical production facilities. The project aims at construction of a biopharmaceuticals (e.g. antisera, probiotics) production plant. The plant will be located in the Great Stone Industrial Park a site for a favourable tax regime. Currently no biopharmaceutical products are produced in Belarus. An agreement on mutual market authorization of pharmaceuticals certificates will be adopted within the Common economic area of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan by the end of Belarusian companies will obtain easy access to the Russian and Kazakh pharmaceutical markets. Coupled with Russia s plans to increase biopharmaceutical consumption by 8.3% by 2020, an investment now may provide an excellent high-profit and low-risk opportunity. Development of pharmaceuticals production is considered to be one of the economic focuses of the Belarussian Government. Estimated payback periods range between 4-7 years. 58

59 Equipment for laser surgery manufacture No significant dates indicated Great Stone Industrial Park EUR 16.5 million This project seeks production of high-tech equipment for laser surgery in the Great Stone Industrial Park (favourable taxation zone). From 2016 a common market for pharmaceuticals and medical equipment will be introduced within the Eurasian Economic Community so Belarusian companies will obtain easy access to other community members markets (in particular, Russia and Kazakhstan). The share of domestic production of medical equipment and furniture in Belarus is only 18%; the rest is imported. The estimated payback period is 5 years. 59

60 Construction of nitrogen fertilizer complex at "Grodno Azot" OJSC No significant dates indicated Great Stone Industrial Park EUR 1.2 billion This project aims for construction of a nitrogen fertilizer complex and creation of a joint venture on the basis of Open Joint Stock Company Grodno Azot (currently 99.9% is in state ownership). Grodno Azot OJSC is the leading fertilizer manufacturer in Eastern Europe with a quality management system confirmed by the Belarusian state authorities and bureau VERITAS. Among the advantages of the investment project are: - a strong brand; - easy access to the Eurasian Economic Community market; - European rail track availability. 60

61 Multiple-Dwelling Residential Development Including Social and Cultural Facilities construction Significant dates: ITC Engineering (private company) EUR 89 million Low-rise housing development with infrastructure elements on the bank of the River Ptich, located 7 km from Minsk, capital city of Belarus This project foresees construction of a multifunctional complex with the following facilities: 29 townhouses; restaurant area; hotel area; 6 cottages; 8 bathhouses; sports and recreation centre with swimming pool; shopping and recreation centre; 2 five-storey blocks of flats with business offices, recreational landscape zone with water bodies and aquatic facilities and other relevant facilities Land has been assigned for permanent use. A pre-investment feasibility study has been drafted and the architectural concept of the complex developed. A preliminary geological survey has been carried out. The kick-off investment amount for the mobilization period and for the first construction stage ( ) is about 20 million. 61

62 Construction of stone-crushing plant with capacity of 4 mln. m 3 Sector: Mining industry None significant dates indicated; Gomelobldorstroy Due to current international political and market conditions, consumers in the Russian Federation are showing a strong demand for Belarusian crushed rock products, including products from the "Glushkevichi" crushed stone plant. This suggests promising prospects for export growth in nearby regions of the Russian Federation - Bryansk, Smolensk, Kaluga and Moscow. USD 108 million 62

63 Favourable conditions for business in Mogilevsky district Significant dates: 1 July December 2020 OAO Development Bank of the Republic of Belarus; Mogilevsky oblispolkom; Ministry of architecture and building, etc. South-eastern regions of Mogilevsky district attract investment by offering additional preferential terms and conditions. In the above-mentioned area, an opportunity has arisen to implement investment projects which can be partly financed by OAO Development Bank of the Republic of Belarus and public funds. Benefits foreseen include, e.g., taxation preferences, lower insurance payments for employers and tax credits. Potential exists for building new factories or investing in existing factories involved in natural resources and agricultural raw materials processing. At present, investors from the USA, Germany and Russia are operating successfully in Mogilevsky district

64 Construction of plant for producing and installing wind power stations No significant dates indicated Administration of Grodnoinvest free economic zone EUR 20 million This project aims for construction of a plant for production and installation of wind power stations within of the Grodnoinvest free economic zone. This implies substantial tax advantages for residents. The plan is to produce all the component and replacement parts for wind power stations as well as to assemble/install them. Organizing the production process requires new production facilities with a total area of m. The preliminary plan is to produce 25 wind power stations a year. The Republic of Belarus guarantees the purchase of all the energy generated by them. Moreover, the purchase price will be increased by multiplying factors applied to the electricity rate. 64

65 Establishment of Transport & Logistic Centre No significant dates indicated Administration of the Grodnoinvest free economic zone EUR 38.3 million The project aims for establishment of Transport & Logistic Centre in the Grodnoinvest free economic zone, offering substantial tax privileges A Transport & Logistic Centre will render comprehensive logistic services to maintain the processes of delivery, customs clearing, and handling of goods. It is planned to establish Transport & Logistic Centre with infrastructure to include the following: freight and container terminals with road and railway access roads; road freight transport centre; information and computing centre with technological communication office; service facilities (parking for trucks and buses; auto service stations; petrol stations; hotel facilities; medical centre; restaurants; shops; communication centre). Close location of Grodnoinvest free economic zone to Grodno international airport plus European Union countries contribute significantly to rapid customs clearance and movement of goods. 65

66 Construction of hydroelectric power stations No significant dates indicated State Unitary Enterprises Grodnoenergo, Vitebskenergo, Mogilevenergo ; Ministry of Energy EUR million Projects envisage construction of hydroelectric power stations in the following regions: Nemnovskaya hydroelectric power station on the Neman river in Grodno region with capacity of 20 MW. Orsha hydroelectric power station on the river Dnieper in Vitebsk region with capacity of 5.1 MW. Mogilev hydroelectric power station on the river Dnieper in Mogilev region with capacity of 5.1 MW. Shklovskaya hydroelectric power station on the river Dnieper in Mogilev region with capacity of 4.9 MW. The Republic of Belarus guarantees the purchase of all energy generated by these hydroelectric power stations and will at its own expense construct the power transmission lines required to secure power supply to the Belarusian electric power system. In addition, the Republic of Belarus guarantees payment for energy at preferential tariffs and conclusion of investment agreements granting benefits for investors. 66

67 Joint venture for shoe production on the basis of existing enterprise Luch No significant dates indicated Minsk shoemaking open joint stock company Luch managing company of the holding Luch Shoes The project envisages construction of an industrial complex with an annual capacity of 3 million pairs of shoes. The plan is to establish a joint venture on the basis of the existing enterprise Luch, as well as to locate shoemaking companies within the industrial complex forming part of the holding Luch Shoes. At the present time, a land plot (6 ha) in the Zapadny industrial hub in Minsk district has been identified for project implementation. Additionally, the architectural design of the industrial complex and an assessment of investment effectiveness have been developed. The project includes strategic advantages that will contribute significantly to rapid development and reduction of the payback period. Among them are a strong brand, highly-qualified personnel, use of local raw materials plus availability of valid patents, licences and permits. EUR 84.2 million 67

68 Creation of multifunctional centre in the middle of Minsk Significant dates: Closed joint stock company HORIZONT- BELINVEST- DEVELOPER EUR million Implementation of the investment project includes demolition of existing industrial buildings and construction of new commercial real estate objects. The project envisages construction of the following objects: office facilities with underground parking 90,000 sq.m.; hotel complex with underground parking 13,000 sq.m.; small sales areas, service, catering and other outlets located on the ground floors of the office facilities and in the hotel complex 4,000 sq.m. The site of 7.1 hectares is located in the central administrative district of Minsk. The site has high town-planning potential due to good transport communications with other city districts, proximity to an underground station plus accessibility to recreation areas in Minsk. 68

69 Production of devices for storing data Significant dates: - Great Stone Industrial Park Dollars 50 million Belarus creates new Devices for Data Storage to meet the increasing demands of the future The aim of the project is to create non-volatile storage devices. Today, the global market is forecasted to incur a deficit of storage devices. By 2020 consumers will need about 6 ZettaByte of memory for data storage. At the same time the Customs Union countries occupy the leading positions in the CIS region by the ICT Development Index (index that takes into account, inter alia, the number of computers and mobile phones per 100 inhabitants): Russia 40, Belarus 41 and Kazakhstan 48 position (2012 rank). In 2012 for the third time Belarus was one of the 10 economies in the world with the greatest changes in terms of access to and use of ICT. Belarus is the leader among the CIS countries in terms of computer market growth (+56% in 2012 compared to 2011). 69