ABSTRACT
Maritime Krai, or Primorye, is situated in the extreme south-east of Russia, on the Sea of Japan. The territories of Maritime Krai were recognized as Chinese possessions by Russia in 1687. In February 2005 the Legislative Assembly approved the nomination by President Vladimir Putin of Darkin to a further term as Governor. Later in December Putin publicly criticized the high levels of corruption and crime in Maritime Krai. Maritime Krai has rail links with Khabarovsk Krai, as well as international transport links with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the People’s Republic of China. In 2015 President Putin signed legislation granting the status of a free port to Vladivostok and other ports in Maritime Krai, and providing tax incentives and other benefits to companies operating in a large part of the Krai.
