ULAANBAATAR, November 23. /TASS/. The authorities of Mongolia decided to transfer the Tsagaannuur free economic zone into a permanent mode of operation following the launch of the cargo transportation route between Russia and China, which passes through the zone, Minister of the Economy and Development of Mongolia Chimed Khurelbaatar announced at a press conference on Wednesday.

"A section of the Asian Highway AN-4 has been put into operation in the Tsagaannuur free economic zone, which is located 65 kilometers north of the Bayan-Olgii aimag (region - TASS). Cargo transportation from China to Russia has already begun along this highway. As a result, the Tsagaannuur free zone will operate in a permanent mode," he said.

According to him, the Tsagaannuur free economic zone has the potential to create an international trade and transport and logistics hub, expand foreign and domestic trade, build enterprises and export meat.

Russian oil products, animal feed, food and other goods are imported through the western border of Mongolia. Of these imports, fuel oil accounts for 60%, food and other goods - 25%, is animal feed 15%.

"The road for transporting goods from Europe and Russia to Ulaanbaatar through the Tsagaannuur border crossing has become 200 kilometers shorter than the route through the Altan-Bulak automobile checkpoint. This will save time and money," the minister added.