The XXV plenary meeting of the Trans-Siberian Transportation coordinating council opened earlier today (14^th September) at the Tuushin hotel in Ulaanbaatar. A total of 130 delegations from 26 counties, are participating the meeting, which is being held in Mongolia for the first time since it was established.  On this occasion, Oleg Belozerov, head of Russian Railways (RZD) is also visiting Ulaanbaatar.  

The meeting is being organised under the auspices of President Ts.Elbegdorj by Ulaanbaatar Railway – a joint venture company between Mongolia and Russia. The purpose of the event is to increase the company’s regional economic participation and to intensify transit transportation.

Ulaanbaatar Railway is the primary route connecting Russia and China which was established between 1949 and 1956. Mongolia is sandwiched between China and Russia, making it a natural buffer zone separating these Eurasian giants.  Ulaanbaatar Railway connects the Trans-Siberian to the Chinese network. This railway is capable of delivering 24-25 million tonnes of freight; Ulaanbaatar Railway, however, plans to raise this  to 34 million tonnes.