Preferential Treatment as a Tool for Managing the Coastal Area Sustainable Development: The Case of the Vladivostok Free Port

Abstract

With the adoption of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), the world has recognized the need to move to responsible governance in many areas of life, including seaports, which are at the forefront of economic activity and environmental safety. The present paper examines the challenges and opportunities associated with the implementation of sustainable development principles under the free port scheme. The authors analyzed the Russian Audit Chamber report on the activities of the free port of Vladivostok and compared it with the pioneer experience of the sustainable development of the port of Antwerp. The results show that focusing only on the economic and social objectives of preferential treatment is not sufficient for the effective management of coastal areas, such as ports. To improve management efficiency and fully integrate the coastal area with preferential treatment in the world economic relations, the authors consider it necessary to ensure commitment to the goals of sustainable development and propose a model for the implementation of the sustainable development principles, as exemplified by the free port of Vladivostok.