KIEV, Aug. 31 – The idea of creating a free economic zone in Crimea has been rejected, although possible sector benefits, primarily a zero tax on profits for hotels, are being discussed, Deputy Prime Minister Borys Kolesnikov said in an interview with Dzerkalo Tyzhnia (Mirror Weekly) newspaper.

"We had a discussion with Vasyl [Dzharty, chairman of the council of ministers in Crimea]. We came to the conclusion that subsidies should be given only to [certain] sectors. The main privilege for Crimea is a zero tax on profit for hotels. A separate program is being drawn up for Crimea, as well as for the Carpathian region and other touristic regions in the country. They would have only sector [-specific] benefits," he said.