Abstract: The object of this research is the efficiency of functionality of the renewed institution of special economic zones (SEZ). The subject of this research is the existing mechanism of assessment of the efficiency of work of SEZ under the changed economic conditions. The article performs an analysis of the flaws and violations in the work of the Russian SEZ, as well as demarcated the parameters of assessment of SEZ efficiency in general and efficiency of the functionality of SEZ in particular. The authors analyze the combination of indexes aimed at examination of functionality of the special economic zones in the Russian Federation, as well as international level. The propositions regarding the ways of adjustment of the current Russian methodic of assessment of SEZ are being formulated. The rules of assessment of the efficiency of functionality of SEZ were introduced by the Russian government in 2013, and did not undergo any changes until the present time. Thus, the scientific novelty lies in suggestions pertaining to the improvement of this mechanism, considering the international experience and results of the audits of SEZ by the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation.

Abstract: The research object is Russia’s value of international trade in the agro-industrial sector. The research subject is the mechanisms of optimization of trade turnover in the context of the modern trade relations, including the creation of the new type of special economic zones. The authors consider the modern tendencies of the turnover decrease in particular groups of goods, connected with sanctions. Special attention is given to the study of the existing instruments of Russia’s foreign trade activation – special economic zones. The authors analyze their activities and prognosticate their development prospects. The research methodology includes the methods of system and statistical analysis and the method of economic planning and prognostication. The authors conclude that the current problems of Russian agricultural producers can be solved with the help of special economic zones. The authors explain the reasonability of creation of agro-industrial special economic zones on the federal level in order to use them for the expansion of the volume of food commodities and raw materials production and the agro-industrial sector strengthening. 

Abstract: The object of this research is the foreign trade policy of Russia pertaining to the import and export of food products. The subject of this research is the various forms and methods that ensure saturation of Russia’s food market with domestic goods. Due to the fact that the food policy is a part of economic state policy, it is worth noting that dependence of state food policy upon the volume of imports carries a direct threat to national security. This issue became especially important after the economic sanctions introduced with regards to Russia. Therefore, it is important to analyze and understand the causes and consequences of such dependence and attempt to find ways and means of protection of supply of domestic market with domestic products. The scientific novelty consists in the complex analysis of the export and import transactions in sales of food products over the period of 2014-2015 when Russia has undergone the external sanctions and applied countersanctions. The implementation of sanctions without a doubt affected the foreign trade, as well as manufacturing of agricultural and food products in the Russian Federation. At the same time, on the background of a certain decrease in import, we can observe the manifestation of the trend on increasing the supply and approaching the domestic food market of the new importers from the countries of global community, which demonstrated the difficulty of the rapid increase of production inside the Russian Federation. Thus, the authors substantiate the positions about the necessity of changing the vector of realization and formulation of the new agricultural policy, which require significant financial and time costs. The work underlines that it is necessary to search for other ways of creating the favorable environment for manufacturers of the agricultural production, the realization of which can be performed in the context of establishment of the special economic zones of agro-industrial type.