Governor suggests SEZ to replace Baikal mill

IRKUTSK, September 4 (Itar-Tass) -- Irkutsk Governor Dmitry Mezentsev
proposed to create a special economic zone (SEZ) in the city of Baikalsk
on Lake Baikal to provide jobs to the population after the local
pulp-and-paper mill was closed down for polluting the biggest fresh water
reservoir in the world.
"The creation of the most favored regime for certain types of business
on the territory of the special economic zone will help to actively
attract investors and create new jobs," he said on Thursday.
The regional government plans to allow environment-friendly economic
activity in Baikalsk, he added.
The mill closed down in October 2008 after it was ordered to switch to
close-circuit water flow to stop pollution. The leadership said the order
triggered a financial default of the enterprise. Over 1500 workers were
dismissed.