The emergence of Russia’s first interregional chemical industrial cluster marks a significant milestone. The cluster draws its backbone from chemical facilities located in the Irkutsk and Omsk regions, with additional participation from Bashkiria, Chuvashia, and Mari El. This development was highlighted by a deputy from the United Russia faction, who sits on the State Duma Committee on Industry and Trade, and spoke about the project in detail.
According to the deputy, the cluster came into being through coordinated efforts involving the Expert Council on the Development of the Chemical Industry, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, regional authorities in Irkutsk, and the Russian Association of Clusters, Technoparks, and Special Economic Zones. At present, eleven enterprises are part of the cluster, and the leadership anticipates further growth as more participants join the register of the Ministry. This formal inclusion ensures that member companies gain access to future state-backed supports while expanding the cluster footprint across regions.
The deputy emphasized that inclusion in the ministry’s register unlocks a range of government support measures for cluster participants. These include concessional financing options, reductions in insurance premiums, subsidies for startup purchases, streamlined product procurement, and simplified administrative procedures. Access to such tools is expected to bolster efficiency and accelerate the commercialization of new products among cluster members.
Officials note that these support measures will facilitate stronger collaboration among enterprises, shorten time to market for new offerings, and help reduce production costs. The overall effect is seen as an incentive for increased investment activity by regional businesses, driving broader economic benefits for the participating territories.
The cluster is viewed not only as a driver of regional economic momentum but also as a strategic move to bolster the country’s technological sovereignty. The initiative aligns with broader plans to establish a Federal Chemical Center in Usolye-Sibirskoye, Irkutsk Region. The center is envisioned as the production, scientific, and technological hub that will underpin the cluster’s long-term development and upgrade the national chemical industry through advanced research and manufacturing capabilities.
In parallel, a draft project passport for the Federal Chemical Center development has been prepared and circulated to federal and regional authorities for review. The plan highlights the creation of high-tech production for small and medium tonnage chemicals, underscoring the center’s role as a comprehensive platform for innovation, testing, and scalable production. This move is presented as a critical step toward strengthening Russia’s competitive edge in the global chemical market, supported by sustained investment in knowledge, facilities, and skilled personnel.