"First SEZ resident companies will appear in late March. We will know what domestic and foreign companies will acquire this status and will be ready to invest in these projects," Yury Zhdanov said.
"Before the end of the year, first SEZ projects will be launched in Tomsk, Moscow and St. Petersburg," he said, adding that first results should be expected in two and a half to three years.
Zhdanov said the 2006 federal budget had earmarked 8 billion rubles ($286 million) for the creation of six SEZ, another 8 billion rubles would come from regional authorities, and substantial investment would be made by Russian and foreign companies.
Under the SEZ law, resident companies are to invest at least 10 million euros, including 1 million euros in the first year of operation.
Special economic zones are to be created across the country to promote the development of high-tech industries and transport infrastructure by offering tax breaks and other privileges to resident companies.
