An artist's impression of the expanded and upgraded Taiyuan International Mail Exchange Bureau. [Photo/Yellow River News] 

A project to expand and upgrade the Taiyuan International Mail Exchange Bureau started on Aug 22 in Taiyuan, capital of North China's Shanxi province. 

Situated northwest of Taiyuan Wusu International Airport, the project encompasses a 10,163-square-meter operational area, 4,121 sq m of auxiliary facilities, 286 sq m of sniffer dog kennels, and outdoor supporting facilities. 

The auxiliary facilities include plumbing, firefighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, electrical, and weak current installations. 

With an investment of about 160 million yuan ($22.01 million), the project is expected to be completed and put into use by the end of 2024.

An artistic rendering of the Taiyuan International Mail Exchange Bureau after its expansion and upgrading, as seen from above. [Photo/Yellow River News] 

Once finished, the Taiyuan International Mail Exchange Bureau will be capable of simultaneously carrying out three regulatory business modes for international mail, international express delivery, and cross-border e-commerce. These services will include collecting information, centralized inspections, and customs clearance supervision. 

The expansion project will enhance the standardization, informatization, intelligence, and intensification of customs clearance operations, and greatly improve the convenience of customs clearance for enterprises. It will also strengthen the comprehensive service capabilities of the international logistics industry in Shanxi, and enrich the supporting services for the development of cross-border e-commerce. 

The project is an important part of optimizing the environment for international air cargo operators in the province, promoting international trade development, and facilitating the construction of comprehensive platforms for cross-border e-commerce within the province.