Efficiency of Transport Infrastructure in Asian Russia, China, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan in the Context of Creating New Trans-Eurasian Transport Corridors

Abstract

This article discusses the efficiency of transport infrastructure and cooperation of neighboring regions located in Asian Russia, China, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan in the context of creating new international economic corridors from the Silk Road and trans-Eurasian transport corridors. This study aims to highlight the possible ways of strengthening cross-border cooperation in the field of transport infrastructure. We evaluated the current state of the transport infrastructure, the dynamics of its development, and its influence on the territorial–production complex. Using quantitative data and the unified indicator for the efficiency of transport infrastructure, we also characterized the territorial differentiation, its causes, and prerequisites for further economic and trade cooperation between these countries. The main results are as follows: (1) The lowest levels of the efficiency of transport infrastructure are typical for the northeast of Asian Russia, as well as for the border regions of China, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan. (2) For Asian Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia, the highest levels of the unified indicator are typical for regions located along the main transport routes and for regions with a developed mining industry. This is due to the strong unevenness of the socio-economic development of the territories. (3) The largest industrial and economic centers have been developing along the main transport corridors primarily due to the accumulated potential of equivalent freight turnover and export potential. This study can be useful for authorities and business, as well as for other users of transport infrastructure to improve its regulation and efficiency.