Gref said such special economic zones, called free ports, or porto franco, in the world, most commonly referred to special customs areas with favorable customs regulations (or no customs duties and transshipment control).
German Gref said he was hopeful the lower house of parliament would consider and adopt the bill later this spring.
The minister said: "The remaining economic zones, which we have been designing for two years already, will be established."
Gref said a tender would be announced before late this year to select ports, and the construction of port infrastructure would be launched in 2008.
"We will establish a similar customs and taxation regime," he said.
The minister said three or four free ports could be established in sea and river ports and at airports, which handle international cargos, primarily in the Northwest District, in northern Russia, and then on the Black Sea and in the Far East.
"Production and export facilities could be established in adjacent areas," he said.
Gref added that all issues concerning customs and taxation regimes, the use of land plots, infrastructure and simplified administration had already been coordinated.
On February 7, 2007, the Russian government passed a resolution to establish four special economic zones for tourism and recreation. The zones are intended to help regional development and attract investment.
