Mongolia-Mongolia Connectivity: Chultem Dorjldon: If the overall plan for the Bijigtu Port is approved, other construction projects will be launched.

Mongol Messenger, Ulaanbaatar, May 1st - Recently, a reporter of the Mongol Messenger stationed in Sukhbaatar Province [adjacent to Xilingol League of Inner Mongolia, China] interviewed Chultem Dorjldon, the person in charge of the Bijigtu Port [the corresponding Chinese port is Zunhua Gabqi], regarding the new complex construction project and current situation at the port.

Question: How is the progress of the new complex construction project at the Bijigtu Port?

Answer: The work on formulating the overall plan for the Bijigtu Port is about to be completed. After approval, according to the plan, land use contracts and other construction projects will commence. The port holds great expectations in many aspects; however, due to the work proceeding as per regulations, it requires more time.

Question: What is the significance of the development of the Bijigtu Port for Sukhbaatar Province?

Answer: With the improvement of port operations, economic turnover will accelerate. This will increase household income in the province and enhance the profitability of businesses. Not only will this benefit the Bijigtu Port, but it will also have positive impacts on Erdenechagan County, Sukhbaatar Province, and even the regional economy as well as the Mongolian economy. The Bijigtu Port is the main gateway for external trade in Sukhbaatar Province. Through this port, mineral products, agricultural products, and small and medium-sized enterprise products can be exported. This will help increase the local GDP. As the通关capacity of the Bijigtu Port increases, exports and tax revenues will rise.

In order to develop the Bijigtu Port, roadways, railways, power supply, water supply, and communication infrastructure will be improved. This infrastructure will not only positively impact the region around the port but also other counties in Sukhbaatar Province, improving residents' quality of life. As border operations expand, new job opportunities will be created in areas such as border control, customs, supervision, logistics, transportation, and services. Domestic employment levels will rise, and citizens' incomes will increase. Moreover, with the expansion of the Bijigtu Port, the possibility of establishing logistics centers and export processing plants will increase. Consequently, private entities will concentrate investments in Sukhbaatar Province. Furthermore, conditions will be created for developing regional development policies and establishing free economic zones.

Question: So, what opportunities will this bring to citizens and enterprises?

Answer: Of course, the benefit to citizens is at least the creation of more job opportunities. Many new job opportunities will be created in the port and related trade and service sectors, allowing citizens to earn stable incomes locally. The value of labor will continue to rise, and incomes will steadily increase. For enterprises, new opportunities to enter foreign markets will increase, and export capabilities will improve, enabling local mineral and agricultural products to be exported to the Chinese market quickly and at low cost through the Bijigtu Port. Transportation and logistics costs will decrease, and investments and innovations made at the port will reduce product transportation time and costs, thereby lowering production and export costs and increasing profits.

Question: Will the revival of the port have the most significant impact on mining companies?

Answer: The Bijigtu Port is the shortest route to the Chinese market. As the flow of goods through the port improves, mineral products such as coal, fluorite, and gold concentrate can be transported to the Chinese market quickly and at low cost. As the通关capacity of the Bijigtu Port increases, pressure from truck traffic between mines and the port will be reduced. This will accelerate product turnover, improve cash flow, thus creating a favorable investment environment. Additionally, the development of the Bijigtu Port will attract investors seeking to establish mining and processing facilities.

Question: The new complex construction project at the port and road construction are being carried out simultaneously. What road construction projects will be carried out in the port direction?

Answer: Several major road construction projects leading to the Bijigtu Port are expected to be implemented by 2025.

For example, a hard-surfaced road construction project from Xi'ertu to Bijigtu will be carried out with a budget of 32.4 billion Tugriks.

In addition, a dedicated road from the "Eringtao Le" coal mine to the Bijigtu Port is under construction.

With the implementation of the Choibalsan-Hut-Bijigtu railway project, enterprises will have the opportunity to export their products to foreign markets within a short time.

In summary, to develop, first build roads.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1830979023403274/

Disclaimer: The article solely represents the author's personal views.