The role of international infrastructure projects in sustainable social and economic development of the border areas (the case of Russia and Mongolia)

During the existence of the USSR, Mongolia was in the sphere of political and economic interests of Russia. On the one hand, the decrease of economic relations between Russia and Mongolia, and, on the other hand, the geographical proximity of Russia and China have made it necessary to search for new partners and sources of investment in mining, processing industry, energy and transport, service and tourism. The growing interest of foreign countries in Mongolia and presence of their representatives there undoubtedly speaks of the growing political and economic competition in the region. In the face of the current global geopolitical situation, growth of China’s influence in Mongolia’s economy and infrastructure projects being carrying out within the framework of the New Silk Road Concept, the role of border regions and cross-border interaction is growing. One way to increase the presence of other countries is by attracting investment or directly participating in the construction of new infrastructure facilities. The need to find ways of rational territorial organization of economic activities, using the potential of border areas, strengthening the infrastructure cooperation between the two countries determine the urgency of further research. A large amount of accumulated information on this subject of research and developed research methods, singled out comparable indicators of social and economic development of the regions of Russia and Mongolia allow for a qualitative, comprehensive study.