The number of freight trains via Mongolian territory for Asia-Europe and China-Russia routes reached 2,500 at the end of 2021, an increase of nearly 200 from 2020.

Citing a statement from the company, the report said that the number demonstrates that the Ulaanbaatar Railway Company, Mongolia’s official railway operator, has not only become an active participant in regional and international transport and logistics, but also a strong competitor in the land corridors connecting China and Europe.

There were 2,312 such freight trains traveling through Mongolia in 2020, according to the statement.

Mongolia plans to become a transit state, offering the shortest route from Europe to Asia through its territory, Mongolian President U.Khurelsukh said after he paid official visit in Moscow in December.