Apr 10, 2025 61 min read Daily News Summaries

Mongolia News Summary for April 10, 2025

The following news articles are the opinions of their authors and publications. They are presented here as translations for informational purposes and do not necessarily represent the opinion of MongolBeat or its members.

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Politics

The Mongolian Parliament's Initiative for a People-Centered Legal Environment

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The Deputy Speaker of the State Great Khural of Mongolia, H. Bulgantuya, and the Secretary-General of the State Great Khural, B. Baasandorj, met with Martin Chungong, Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). At the beginning of the meeting, Deputy Speaker H. Bulgantuya noted the effectiveness of the main discussions and subsidiary sessions of the 150th Assembly of the IPU and expressed gratitude for the video message sent on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the adoption of Mongolia's first Constitution. She further highlighted that the Memorandum of Cooperation established in 2022 is a manifestation of the expanding cooperation between the State Great Khural of Mongolia and the IPU in recent years. During the meeting, it was mentioned that the strategic plan of the State Great Khural for 2024-2028 has been approved, articulating its vision, mission, and values, and specifying 5 main goals along with 16 objectives for their implementation. On this occasion, she expressed gratitude for the IPU's regular provision of expert and methodological advice, based on the practical experiences of countries, for the project of this strategic plan. Deputy Speaker H. Bulgantuya continued by noting that of the 126 members representing five parties and coalitions in the parliament, which was formed as a result of systemic changes, over 80 members were newly elected. Additionally, she mentioned that legal environment reform has been initiated to implement the strategy and plans for the coming four years. In this context, she stated that efforts are being made to establish the capacity to determine baseline levels and conduct assessments using parliamentary self-assessment criteria supported by the IPU, as well as to accelerate the digital transition of the State Great Khural. Furthermore, she invited participation in person at the Asian Women Parliamentarians Forum set to be organized in Mongolia next year. IPU Secretary-General Martin Chungong commended the State Great Khural's implementation of targeted activities with tangible results in promoting human rights, gender equality, and parliamentary democracy within the framework of the cooperation memorandum. He emphasized that the inclusion of a people-centered legal environment in their strategic plan is a significant initiative of our time and expressed commitment to fully support its implementation. B. Baasandorj, Secretary-General, emphasized the ambition to work with advanced methods in the administration to provide technical and methodological assistance in drafting laws that ensure human rights sensitivity, equal participation, and respond to contemporary demands. He also pointed out the successful implementation of a "Joint Virtual Meeting-Discussion on the Human Rights Assessment" co-organized with the IPU on March 20, and discussed plans to continue organizing regional thematic meetings and discussions in the future. For more information, follow @montsame.mn

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EVENT: Presentation of the First Instance Court Decision in the Green Bus Case

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn

At the State Palace 08:00 - The regular meeting of the government is ongoing. 10:00 - 16:00 - Standing committee meetings will be held. 14:00 - Meeting and press conference to present the main changes and regulations of the tax package laws (Income Tax, VAT) will take place. At the Suld Auditorium of the General Police Department 09:00 - The first-instance court decision in the criminal case known as the "Green Bus" case will be presented. At the conference hall of the Holiday Inn Hotel 09:00 - 13:00 - The General Education Department, the National Civil Society Coalition for Education for All, and the NGO Lawyers Without Borders will jointly organize the national third consultation "Dormitory 2.0." At the Open Society Forum 09:00 - An international conference to determine electronic solutions for ensuring transparency of political party financing and bringing it under public scrutiny continues for its second day. At the National Information Center 11:30 - Citizen D. Dorjdagva will give information on the possibility of reducing Ulaanbaatar's toxic smoke and traffic congestion by up to 80% by the winter of 2025 with very low cost and high economic efficiency. At the Central Square 13:00 - 21:00 - The international food festival "UB food" continues for the second day. Warning: Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social Media, and Websites) are prohibited from using our information in whole or in part in any form without agreement, and must cite the source (ikon.mn) if used.

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Appointment of Brigadier General J. Byambasuren as Head of the Border Protection Authority Introduced at Government Meeting

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: isee.mn

An ordinary meeting of the government is currently taking place. During this meeting, the issue of relieving Major General Kh. Lkhagvasuren, the Commander of the Border Troops and Head of the Border Protection Authority, from his duties and appointing Brigadier General J. Byambasuren in his place has been introduced by the Minister of Justice and Internal Affairs, O. Altangerel. J. Byambasuren is a native of Khovd province, born in 1976, and is one of the young generals of the border troops. He graduated from the Border Troops Academy in Russia. He has previously served as the Head of the Administrative Office of the Border Protection Authority, Head of the Administration and Management Department, Head of the Secretariat Department, Commander of border units 0286 and 0151, and Chief of Staff of the Border Protection Authority before being appointed as the Ambassador to Laos.

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No Courage to Criticize Those in Power Among Citizens or Politicians

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: news.mn

We spoke with Deputy Speaker of the State Great Khural, B. Purevdorj. – The 35th anniversary of the Democratic Party has passed. How do you view the successes and failures of the past years? What are the goals for the future? – 35 years ago, many fighters for democracy and thousands of citizens opposing the socialist regime fought for the freedom of speech, expression, publishing, and free business. As a result, the political bureau at that time was dismantled and the Democratic Party was founded on April 7, 1990. The Democratic Party, striving for democracy and justice in Mongolia, changed the constitution and established the current society. Every year, we have commemorated the founding of the Democratic Party by remembering the efforts and dedication of the elders and partisans who fought for freedom and reflecting on our successes and failures. Over the years, the Democratic Party has twice become the majority and formed coalition governments. During these times, we have initiated and implemented significant economic reforms. Especially, we have proposed and realized every plan for the country's development and progress. However, unfortunately, failing to fully promote and communicate our work's results to the public has led to successive electoral defeats. Thus, since 2016, we have lost the regular elections for the State Great Khural three times. During this period, the Mongolian People's Party (MPP) has committed many actions against the democracy we built. Primarily, they violate the citizens' freedom of speech, expression, and press. They also repeatedly propose to seize private property and attack the free market. Countries around the world are observing Mongolia's current political situation closely. They see how Mongolia is regressing from its democratic achievements, curtailing human rights and freedoms, narrowing the business space, and slipping into a centrally planned economy overly dependent on the state. As a result, Mongolia's democracy and other indicators have regressed according to global research organizations' assessments. – Didn't the Democratic Party have the opportunity to win instead of repeatedly losing? – We must participate successfully in every upcoming election. The main goal of a political party is to become the majority and fully implement its policies and programs. Sadly, in the past, our party's leaders colluded with the MPP, turning elections into a staged play. Consequently, we couldn't even form a group with 9-11 members in the State Great Khural and were unable to fulfill our role as the opposition. Therefore, instead of complaining about the past, we must look forward and organize well for upcoming elections. With leaders acting like leaders and disciplined members acting as disciplined soldiers, I believe success is attainable. – In the 2024 elections, the Democratic Party managed to have 42 members pass the legislative threshold. Even though you couldn't become the majority, wasn't there a chance to impose strong oversight on the MPP majority? Was joint work necessary by sitting in their shadow? – Personally, I have won the last three elections, thus firmly standing on the side of the parliament. Over the years, I have received many offers. Generally, the MPP proposes leadership positions and ministries to everyone, and the current parliament has been swayed by this. After the election results, discussions regarding forming a coalition government began. Despite opposing this idea and suggesting a public statement to party members, I couldn't find anyone to stand with me against the MPP's dirty tactics. The people made their choice. The choice was clear between water and oil. The majority should govern, and the minority should oversee. However, our party collectively decided to join the coalition government. Strong leaders from both parties working within the government has placed the government above the parliament, which is true. Yet, the members sitting in parliament strive to restrain some overreaching government members. Essentially, as the saying goes, “the flesh is on the chest, and the kidney is at the back.” Imbalance leads to errors and corruption. – How do you evaluate the joint government's activities? Is pushing forward major projects considered a success? – The coalition government has started moving forward with major projects, with 3-4 projects beginning to be implemented. This is indeed success. However, just because these projects are happening, it doesn't mean they will immediately improve citizens' lives. In such cases, we should reduce the oversized budget. In Mongolia, there is one state employee for every 10 people, compared to the global average of one per 70 people. Including state-owned companies, the numbers become chaotic. This increases the number of people leeching off the state and living off civil services and state property. Ordinary citizens, taxpayers, and private business owners find it difficult to survive. The wealth created by taxpayers is absorbed by those who participate in, work for, and vote for the MPP, resulting in an uncontrolled boost of bureaucracy. The bloated structure squanders the budget while Mongolia’s resources aren't allocated for future prosperity. Therefore, there is no development in Mongolia. It is pointless to talk about technological progress. The global technological development has raced far ahead, leaving us in the dust while we are unable to produce any technology domestically. Therefore, 2028 should be the year of Mongolia’s turning point. – Even as the state bloats, the coalition appointed 400 people as control and productivity managers. What’s the rationale behind this? – Let me give one example. A productivity manager who went to the Gashuun Sukhait railway provided info to the Democratic Party group and State Great Khural members. The railway has over 860 permanent employees and over 90 contracted employees, totaling about 950 workers. In contrast, a private railway company conducting similar operations, like the Hangi Mandal station, employs over 200 people. The state-owned railway has 5 times more employees than the private sector. Moreover, while the railway is located in Tsogttsetsii, Umnugobi province, 180 people sit in offices comfortably in the capital, Ulaanbaatar. Productivity and control managers should dismantle such mechanisms of leaching state resources, sustaining their party’s structure. The bureaucratic system, exploiting taxpayers' money, must be dismantled. Productivity managers working on these issues have begun exposing them, suggesting reforms to save taxpayers' funds. As these critical issues surface, the Minister of Road and Transport talks about merging the Gashuun Sukhait railway, potentially laying off 700-800 employees. – Citizens believe that the Democratic Party members' critical voices have diminished since joining the coalition. While supporting what's successful is fair, many things remain unresolved. Why has your party become so passive and weak? – Today, not only ordinary citizens but also members of the State Great Khural, who voice reasonable criticism, are systematically targeted online by the authorities with harassment and defamation. Therefore, many people in Mongolia have adopted a mindset akin to "let's maintain a golden mean," not losing face before any government. In other words, people have become hesitant and afraid to critically voice out wrongdoings. Everything begins from minor points. Both ordinary citizens and political party members lack the courage to criticize those in power. Thus, if we can unite and strengthen our voices against these issues, we can confront wrongdoings and correct errors. Personally, I will never fear or be ashamed of the authorities and will continue striving for democracy's vital spirit, values, and beliefs.

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President U.Khurelsukh to Present Proposal for Reelection of Chief Prosecutor B.Jargalsaikhan to Party Groups

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: isee.mn

The groups of the MPRP and the DP in the State Great Khural will hold an unscheduled meeting today. Specifically, the MPRP group will convene at 10:00, and the DP group will meet at 12:00. President U.Khurelsukh will participate to present his proposal for the reelection of the State Chief Prosecutor B.Jargalsaikhan. After this, the matter will be discussed by the Standing Committee on Legal Affairs and subsequently finalized during the plenary session of the State Great Khural.

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President U. Khürelsükh to Present Proposal for Reappointment of Chief Prosecutor B. Jargalsaikhan

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: news.mn

The MPP and DP groups in the State Great Khural will hold an extraordinary meeting today. Specifically, the MPP group in the State Great Khural will convene at 10:00 am, and the Democratic Party group at 12:00 pm, during which President U. Khürelsükh will participate to present his proposal for the reappointment of Chief Prosecutor B. Jargalsaikhan. Following this, the proposal will be discussed by the Standing Committee on Legal Affairs and finally resolved in a unified session of the State Great Khural. The proposal to appoint B. Jargalsaikhan as Chief Prosecutor was initially submitted to the State Great Khural by former President Kh. Battulga, and he was appointed to the position on April 5, 2019. The Chief Prosecutor is appointed for a six-year term, which ends on April 5, 2025. The name for appointment as Chief Prosecutor is submitted by the head of state to the State Great Khural for discussion. Last week, Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene, within his powers, submitted a proposal to the State Great Khural for the reappointment of Anti-Corruption Agency Chairman Z. Dashdavaa, and the appointment was supported. This week, President U. Khürelsükh is set to introduce his proposal to reappoint B. Jargalsaikhan as Chief Prosecutor. According to Article 56 of the Constitution, prosecutors oversee the registration, investigation, and punishment processes and participate in court hearings on behalf of the state. It is stipulated that the Chief Prosecutor of the State and the Deputy Prosecutors are appointed for six years by the President upon agreement with the State Great Khural. The Law on the Prosecution Office requires that the person appointed as Chief Prosecutor must have at least 10 years of experience in the legal profession and be at least 35 years old. Regarding B. Jargalsaikhan: - In 1988, he worked as a supervisory prosecutor at the Prosecutor's Office of Övörkhangai aimag. - From 1991 to 1996, he was a senior prosecutor and deputy prosecutor at the same aimag's prosecutor's office. - From 1996 to 2000, he was a provincial prosecutor. - From 2000 to 2001, he served as a supervisory prosecutor at the State Prosecutor's Office. - From 2001 to 2009, he was a transport prosecutor at the Transport Prosecutor's Office. - From 2009 to 2010, he was the head of the Department for Administration of Cases at the State Prosecutor's Office. - From 2011 to 2014, he worked as a transport prosecutor at the Transport Prosecutor's Office. - In 2014-2016, he was the head of the Internal Security Department at the State Prosecutor's Office. - From 2016 to 2017, he served as Deputy Chief Prosecutor in the Administration of the State Prosecutor's Office. - Since 2017, he has worked as the head of the Department for Supervision of Violation Investigation and Resolution at the State Prosecutor's Office, before becoming the Chief Prosecutor.

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President U. Khürelsükh's Proposal for the Reappointment of Prosecutor General B. Jargalsaikhan to be Discussed by Parliamentary Groups

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Mongolian President U. Khürelsükh has proposed the reappointment of the country's Prosecutor General, B. Jargalsaikhan. This proposal will be discussed today by the parliamentary groups. B. Jargalsaikhan was initially appointed as the Prosecutor General on April 5, 2019. Biography of B. Jargalsaikhan:
- From 1988 to 1990, he served as a supervising prosecutor at the Prosecutor's Office of Övörkhangai Province.
- From 1990 to 1996, he worked as a transport prosecutor at the Transport Prosecutor's Office.
- From 1996 to 2000, he was a prosecutor at the Prosecutor's Office of Övörkhangai Province.
- Between 2009 and 2011, he held the position of supervising prosecutor at the Office of the Prosecutor General.
- During 2011 to 2014, he again served as a transport prosecutor at the Transport Prosecutor's Office.
- From 2014 to 2015, he was a department head at the Office of the Prosecutor General.
- From January 7, 2017, to July 1, 2017, he was the head of a department.
- From 2017 to 2018, he served as an assistant prosecutor general, overseeing the department responsible for examining and resolving violations, and was a chief legal advisor.
- Since 2019, he has been the Prosecutor General.
Warning: Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social, and Web pages) are prohibited from using our content in any form, either fully or partially, without permission and are required to cite the source (ikon.mn) if agreed upon.

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Shared Experiences on How Political Parties Report Finances Online Worldwide

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn

In Ulaanbaatar, the MONTSAME news agency reported that Mongolia has become the first country in Asia to join the Challenge for Ensuring Transparency in Political Party Financing, an initiative implemented by the Open Government Partnership. This step means Mongolia undertakes international responsibility to ensure the implementation of the Political Parties Law and subject party financing to public oversight. Within this framework, the General Election Commission, Open Government Partnership, Open Society Forum, Transparency International, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) are co-organizing a seminar titled "International Experiences in Defining Electronic System Requirements for Political Party Financial Reporting." During the afternoon session, experiences from countries like Latvia, Armenia, and England were shared. For instance, Lolita Cigane, a former member of the Latvian parliament and a member of the OSCE's political party core team, provided insights on reporting political party financing using electronic solutions, answering participants’ questions. In Latvia, the EDIS electronic system is used for reporting party finances. This system serves as a bridge for communication between government agencies and parties while helping to prevent politicization risks. It utilizes a uniform metric for all participants and enables easy processing and monitoring of data. The financial reporting data submission system allows for immediate public availability of monetary, non-monetary, and other contributions, automatically registering and consolidating income and expenditures. The public can monitor the use of state-provided funding via the system. The information in the reporting system is publicly accessible, allowing for analysis and enabling donors to track their contributions. For instance, donations from private sources can be summarized by size, frequency, active supporters, and the sectors they work in. Additionally, a database with options to search by party, donation category, donor information, and time was introduced. Besides the electronic system, a reporting application has been launched, which is widely utilized. Dr. Sam Power, a professor at the University of Bristol's Department of Politics, discussed the opportunities and challenges related to ensuring transparency and monitoring political party financing with the help of artificial intelligence. Due to limited resources and time constraints in organizing elections, the use of artificial intelligence is necessary, he noted, emphasizing that proper usage can enhance public trust. Artificial intelligence allows for processing large volumes of data quickly and cost-effectively. Introducing AI creates opportunities for monitoring, preventing corruption, using the "Red Flag" anti-corruption system, standardizing accounting practices, and making information transparent and open. On the other hand, challenges such as establishing a legal framework, enhancing the skills of staff, and building trust were also highlighted. Today, the seminar continues with discussions on defining the needs and requirements of users of electronic systems.

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LIVE: Court Decision Announced for the 'Green Bus Case' Involving A. Ganhuyag and 24 Others

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: isee.mn

The court hearing related to A. Ganhuyag and 24 others, known as the 'Green Bus Case', continues today. The court panel is about to announce its decision. LIVE:

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Economy

ADB: Mongolia's Economy to Grow by 6.6% in 2025

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: news.mn

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) released a report on how Mongolia's economy is expected to perform in 2025 and 2026. The outlook suggests that Mongolia's economy will have positive growth in 2025. While economic growth was 7.4% of GDP in 2023, it decreased to 4.9% in 2024, attributed to a contraction in the agricultural sector. If the agricultural sector had not contracted due to drought, the economic growth for 2024 would have remained at the previous year's level or surpassed it. However, it is predicted that economic growth will increase in the coming years. Specifically, economic growth is projected to be 6.6% in 2025 and 5.9% in 2026. The growth in mining, services, and the extraction from the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine are expected to have a significant impact. Inflation is expected to remain high in 2025, with an average annual inflation rate projected at 9.1% in 2025 and 7% in 2026. Although economic growth is expected to be positive, there are several negative factors. These include the fall in commodity prices, inflationary pressures, and the impact of trade disputes. More detailed information will follow.

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ADB: Mongolia's Economy to Grow by 6.6% This Year

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has forecast that Mongolia's economy will grow by 6.6% this year and by 5.9% next year. In ADB's annual "Asian Development Outlook" report, it is noted that while Mongolia's economic growth slightly slowed in 2024, it will accelerate in the coming years. The report highlights that the mining sector, particularly the Oyu Tolgoi mine increasing its copper concentrate production, will be a major driver of this growth. Additionally, the livestock sector, which has suffered significant losses, is projected to recover. Education Expert Eduard Fehr from ADB stated, "Mongolia managed to maintain its economic resilience last year. The rapid growth in the mining and service sectors compensated for the sharp contraction in the agriculture sector. The mining sector will remain the main engine of the economy in 2025 and 2026. Increasing domestic demand, infrastructure investment, and the gradual recovery of the agriculture sector will also contribute to growth. However, there are still risks due to the reliance on raw material exports, particularly coal." Budget spending has increased and energy prices have risen, leading to inflation reaching 9.1%. Although inflationary pressures will be high this year, it is expected to decrease slightly to 7% next year, with an increase in mining production boosting exports. Nevertheless, imports will increase due to purchases of basic equipment and goods required for investment projects, leading to some exchange rate pressure. These projections could change due to fluctuations in raw material prices, especially copper and coal, a decline in China's real estate market, slowed recovery of the agricultural sector due to weather conditions, inflation exceeding the forecast of 9.1%, and the need for tightening monetary policy. Although the direct impact of U.S. tariffs is minimal, a dip in China's demand could have indirect effects on our country, ADB reported.

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B. Javkhlan: Our country's exports grew by 9% compared to last week, reaching 237 million USD

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: isee.mn

The regular meeting of the Government was held and discussed and resolved the following issues. Minister of Finance B. Javkhlan stated, "In March, exports increased, and a working group was appointed by the order of the Prime Minister of Mongolia to increase exports and urgently resolve pressing issues. The comprehensive measures aimed at increasing the export of mining products and boosting the country's foreign currency reserves are being implemented, and reports are being presented at every government meeting. As of April 07, foreign currency reserves stood at 5 billion USD, which is the same level as the previous week. Compared to the previous week, Mongolia's exports increased by 9%, reaching 237 million USD. This was influenced by the export of copper concentrate, particularly with the export of 'Erdenet Mining Corporation' increasing by 19 million USD compared to the previous week. The working group presented some measures to be implemented going forward at this meeting, focusing on reducing the cost of export products, enhancing competitiveness, and working towards resolving several issues such as difficulties in transportation, warehousing, and exchange trading affecting mineral exports," he reported.

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37th BARILGA EXPO International Construction Fair is in 2 Days

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The 37th "BARILGA EXPO" international construction fair will be held under the slogan "Build smart..." from April 11-13 at the "Buyant-Uhaa" Sports Palace. Over 400 leading companies from Mongolia and more than 20 countries such as China, the Russian Federation, South Korea, Japan, Germany, Poland, Italy, and Turkey will showcase their new and innovative solutions, projects, and services to their customers in the same venue. At the fair, there will be leading companies in areas such as: - Advanced building materials technology - Building materials and decoration - Electrical power, communication signals - Plumbing and ventilation - Interior and exterior landscape design - Architectural design - New residential real estate for luxury and standard housing - House design and private housing - Real estate brokerage, office services In the outdoor exhibition area, products such as heavy machinery, tools, lifting equipment, building materials, private housing, and portable homes will be displayed. Moreover, by attending the fair, you can listen to presentations by industry specialists free of charge on the first, second, and third days of the exhibition. Topics of great public interest will be covered, and there will be activities to select the best companies. Additionally, participating organizations will offer discounts and special promotions to spectators and customers during the exhibition days. Some of these special offers include: - "TAVAN BOGD BUILDING SUPPLY" LLC offers 10-30% discounts based on the total purchase amount. - "NUTGIIN BUYAN GROUP" LLC provides a 3-10% discount on advance payments for the "Happy Residence" and "Ochird City" residential projects. - "J&J BI" LLC offers up to a 15% discount on "Chudej" brand shower traps. - "HIPARTNERS" LLC will host discount sales and give away some products for free during the exhibition days. - "MAKS SHIL" LLC offers a 5-10% discount on all products. - "OU & BI N" LLC gifts heated parking to the first 20 buyers during the exhibition days. - "AKWATIC" LLC announces a 5-10% discount on exhibition items. For more details, CLICK HERE. You are invited to the 37th "BARILGA EXPO" international construction fair to get all the latest advanced technology and project information in the construction industry in one place. Main organizer: - BARILGA MN Co-organizers: - MINISTRY OF CONSTRUCTION AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT - MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE Main sponsors: - MAXWELL RESIDENCE - NCD PRECON Sponsors: - AGARTA RESIDENCE - BOGD VISTA BUSINESS APARTMENT Supporting organizations: - KHUNNU CONCRETE LLC - J&J BI LLC - URNUKH KHUCH ENGINEERING LLC - IKH DELTA ENGINEERING LLC - BARIILGACHIN TRADE CENTER - DYNAMIC TOWER LLC - TAVAN BOGD BUILDING SUPPLY LLC - UBSTV Contact: 7711333 FACEBOOK PAGE: BARILGA EXPO Website: barilgaexpo.mn Notice: Media organizations (TV, radio, social and web sites) are prohibited from using our information, either in whole or in part, without agreement, and must mention the source (ikon.mn) when using it.

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$253 Million Export Made Last Month. Foreign Exchange Reserves at $5 Billion

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Finance Minister B. Javkhlan provided information about the export volume for the first quarter today. In January of this year, exports amounted to $220 million, in February to $248 million, and in March to $253 million. According to information from the Central Bank, the foreign exchange reserves remain at $5 billion, the same as the previous week. To realistically increase physical export volumes, the following actions are being taken. The Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod port is 100% dependent on the exchange. Due to the piled-up stockpiles at the ports, the exchange trade is not increasing as expected. Previously, buyers involved in the exchange trading faced significant losses. Additionally, due to price-related issues, the inability to resell coal has caused delays, which are being addressed. To enhance the competitiveness of domestic coal mines at the ports, the government has taken on the task of reviewing transportation costs, value-added tax (VAT), and royalties that could be influenced by state policies. Gradual reductions in railway tariffs are being implemented, with the goal of further reducing these tariffs to be lower than competing road transportation costs. This task has been assigned to the Ministry of Road and Transport. The decision to halt export routes through Gobi provinces is affecting exports. Although they were stopped due to environmental and road damage concerns, the Transport Minister has been instructed to improve compliance with standards and reopen the movement urgently, with orders given to relevant provinces and districts. Currently, although there is the possibility to export, some stockpiles are unable to be exported due to various restrictions. Despite processing and refining iron, coal, and fluorspar purchased from mines, there are bottlenecks at the export stage. Factories that have the potential for $30-60 million in exports are currently stuck. A decision to release these blocked processed minerals for export will be made soon. Warning Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social and Web pages) are prohibited from using our information in any form, either wholly or partially, unless agreed upon, with the source (ikon.mn) cited.

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The Tugrik's Exchange Rate Declines by More Than 10 Against the Dollar in a Single Day for the First Time Since 2022

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The Tugrik’s exchange rate continues to weaken against the US dollar. The official exchange rate for one US dollar was 3,508.4 tugriks, but it sharply changed to 3,522.48 tugriks the next day. This is the first time since 2022 that the tugrik has weakened so sharply. Looking at previous records, in 2016 the tugrik depreciated by 49 tugriks in a single day. As of March 2025, the country's foreign currency reserves stand at around 5 billion US dollars. The reasons for the tugrik's depreciation will be clarified by the Mongolbank. Warning: Media outlets (Television, Radio, Social media, and Websites) are prohibited from using our information in any form, in whole or in part, without agreement and must cite the source (ikon.mn) when use is granted.

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Dividend Distribution of 1072 Shares to Start Tomorrow

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

The remaining dividend of 93,499 MNT from 1,072 shares of "Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi" JSC will be distributed at the end of this month. Today is the last day for the survey regarding how to receive the remaining dividend amount. Citizens can use the E-Mongolia application to choose whether to receive their share dividend in cash, contribute to the Development Fund, or keep it in a Savings Account. Based on the feedback from citizens, verification will be carried out from April 10-16. Subsequently, the money for those who did not choose the savings option will be directly transferred to their bank accounts.

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NEXUS NET ZERO | Green Solution public-private partnership forum successfully held

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn

MMS Engineering LLC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Road and Transport Development, successfully organized the “NEXUS NET ZERO | Green Solution” public-private partnership forum. This event marked an important beginning in making real steps towards Mongolia's Sustainable Development Goals and addressing climate change, as well as accelerating the green transition in the energy, transportation, and tourism sectors. During the forum, 73 representatives from 29 organizations, including government, private sectors, international organizations, and NGOs, participated to discuss cooperation, investment opportunities, new initiatives, and best solutions. This underscored the value and significance of the event. As part of this project, diverse development solutions will be practically implemented, such as increasing energy independence by adding renewable energy sources with distributed generators, supporting the use of electric vehicles, developing the accompanying charging infrastructure, supporting the national movement of planting a billion trees, and creating a network of roadside services with green infrastructure. Establishing a network of electric vehicle charging stations based on modern advanced technology will significantly reduce carbon emissions, support Mongolia's nationally determined contributions, decrease the use of imported fuel, boost economic growth, and create more jobs in rural areas. MMS Engineering aims to implement a new, environmentally friendly national engineering standard based on international best practices as part of the project, expanding multi-faceted cooperation through public-private partnerships, and fully supporting the goals set out in Mongolia's long-term development policy Vision 2050 and the New Revival Policy. Participants see the NEXUS NET ZERO project as laying the foundation for bringing the future development of Mongolia's main economic sectors, such as energy, transportation, and tourism, to a new level. Warning Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social and Websites) are prohibited from using our information in any form, either in full or in part, and can only use it by agreement, mentioning the source (ikon.mn).

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Kh. Gankhuyag: All government investment and expenditure money will go out with VAT

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: isee.mn

Member of the State Great Khural Kh. Gankhuyag held a press conference regarding the reform of the tax package laws. In his address, Kh. Gankhuyag mentioned: "The number one issue is that businesses want to pay VAT once they have received the money. Therefore, we are allowing businesses to offset VAT when they make investments. This will enable businesses to recover their investments in a short period of time. For individuals, we have introduced a regulation where the income tax on the first 10 million MNT will be 0, and for amounts above that, it will increase by 2 percent. Additionally, all funds from state-owned companies, schools, and kindergartens will be based on the electronic receipt system, as per the new regulation. This means all government investment and expenditure money will be subject to VAT. As the largest employer and purchaser, when the government itself starts using VAT, everyone will move towards becoming VAT-compliant. Through the tax package law, we will provide approximately 4 trillion MNT in benefits, thus increasing and protecting household income for citizens and businesses. This is seen as a solution to expand the middle class. Several proposals have been submitted to the Great Khural, including 'amending the law for a one percent tax', 'removing the employer's contribution to social insurance', and 'applying tax scales based on the distance from Ulaanbaatar city,' among others. However, caution is required for all these proposals, as they may risk dismantling the existing system.

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54,000 Companies with Incomes Above 1.5 Billion are Owned by 1,200 People

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: news.mn

Citizens and economists criticize the lack of a middle class in Mongolia as a result of not implementing reforms related to the tax system. Thus, there is a growing need and requirement for a comprehensive Tax Reform package. Under the order of the Speaker of the Parliament, a working group has been established to reform the Tax Code. The leader of the group, Member of Parliament Kh. Gankhuyag, provided information on some changes being introduced into this law. He mentioned introducing a tiered relief system for enterprises based on their income, and there is a discussion about paying the Value Added Tax (VAT) after the money is received. A condition is being created to allow companies to pay the VAT within two months of their goods arriving at customs. Companies are also granted the right to deduct VAT when making investments. For individuals, the Personal Income Tax will be 0% for the first 10 million, and beyond that, it will increase by 2% increments. It is proposed that regardless of whether it's a state-owned company, school, or kindergarten, all outflows of money would be based on E-receipt reports. This change addresses the issue where the flow of government spending was previously VAT-free. Feedback was gathered from over 170,000 citizens and approximately 11,000 businesses regarding the tax reforms. Over 80% of them suggested that either everyone should pay taxes generally or no one should, implying the need for a fair and distortion-free system. It is impossible to completely reduce or eliminate tax and social insurance payments. Instead, it is crucial to set them at a tiered and appropriate level to expand the middle class. Companies experiencing tax issues often face account closures, leading to difficulties in retrieving their goods and materials. Thus, the new changes aim to alter the process where Tax Inspectors directly freeze accounts, allowing the Ministry of Finance and General Taxation Authority to create agreements instead. The regulation would now allow 15-20% of the incoming revenues of a business to go towards tax debts. Additionally, the income threshold for businesses paying a 1% tax was increased from 1.5 billion to 2.5 billion. Households will receive a full VAT refund for account incomes exceeding 500,000. Currently, there are about 90,000 enterprises in Mongolia with incomes over 1.5 billion Tugriks, of which only around 54,000 companies are owned by 1,200 people. Therefore, there is a necessity to implement a tiered tax system based on income and correct structural distortions, necessitating reforms.

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D.Munkhtuya: Participation in the “Mongolia Mining 2025” Exhibition to Showcase New Trends in Mining Equipment

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The “Mongolia Mining 2025” international mining exhibition is set to be organized for the 14th time. We spoke with D. Munkhtuya, the Sales Director of "Grand Mining Equipment" LLC, the gold sponsor of the exhibition. - Could you talk about the participation in the Mongolia Mining 2025 exhibition? How do you see the significance and scope of the exhibition? - Our "Grand Mining Equipment" LLC is participating as a gold sponsor in this exhibition, which is being organized for the 14th time. The Mongolia Mining 2025 exhibition is significant in contributing to the development of the mining sector, opening new business opportunities, and expanding the professional network of industry experts. We are extremely pleased to be able to introduce the advantages and innovations of new technologies to our loyal customers through this event. - What innovative products does the company plan to introduce at this year's exhibition? - On behalf of our company, under the representation rights of the SANY brand, which is China's No.1 and the world's No.3 in mining equipment manufacturing, we are delighted to introduce the technological advantages and innovations of this brand to our loyal customers. We are happy to offer genuine, effective choices that enhance production and operational efficiency in mining. Using innovative and efficient equipment suitable for the next phase of technological transition in the mining sector is important for companies and also for Mongolia. We are participating in this exhibition offering the SANY SKT105S model 80-ton fully automatic dump truck and the SANY SET150S 140-ton hybrid model dump trucks. Briefly, the advantages of the SANY SET150S include: - Combination of traditional diesel engine with an electric motor to reduce fuel consumption - Low maintenance costs - Converts kinetic energy to electricity during braking and downhill movement - Fuel consumption is 20-30% lower compared to standard diesel models, influenced by optimal power distribution. In this age of rising fuel prices, it is environmentally friendly and offers eligibility for eco-loans by reducing air pollution. - Durability, longevity, and economic savings: The 150-ton hybrid model offers an economically efficient solution by reducing fuel and maintenance costs while increasing productivity, thus increasing the profit of mining operations. Regarding the SKT105S: - The American Allison 4800 transmission is a fully automatic gearbox designed for heavy-duty trucks and mining equipment. - It ensures safe operation in any tough conditions on mining roads without losing power. - Reduces driver error, making it possible for even women to drive. Less reliant on driver error, leading to fewer breakdowns and increased productivity. - Capable of evenly adjusting the speed on steep uphill and downhill roads, suitable for Mongolia’s mining roads and weather conditions. - As a company representative of the mining industry, how do you perceive the trends in Mongolia's mining sector in the coming years? Could you share your thoughts on the impact of the Mongolia Mining exhibition? - We see that the Mongolian mining sector is likely to develop following these trends in the coming years: - Growth in copper production - Initiation of uranium extraction - Positive changes bringing transition into green and digital shifts Participating in this exhibition provides a great opportunity for introducing new technology innovations, expanding business relationships and cooperation, and exchanging professional knowledge and experiences. - Could you provide the latest information about the company’s operations? - "Grand Mining Equipment" company continuously operates in the sale and maintenance of mining, roads, bridges, and construction equipment, as well as heavy machinery. Additionally, our company continues to expand its operations by supplying specialized mining equipment to the Mongolian market. We prioritize the safety of our employees while providing our client organizations with equipment that operates at high efficiency at the lowest cost.

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B. Javkhlan: We plan to implement measures focused on ports to increase exports

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

Finance Minister B. Javkhlan provided the following information regarding some of the decisions made at today's government meeting.

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N.Uchral: "The Dividends of Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi JSC Will Be Deposited into Citizens' Accounts Tomorrow"

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Dividends from "Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi" JSC will be transferred to citizens' accounts starting tomorrow, according to the Chief of Staff of the Government of Mongolia, N.Uchral. He stated, "The decision to distribute dividends was finalized on the 4th of this month. Regarding this decision, we collected feedback from citizens over a week through the E-Mongolia system on whether they want to receive their dividends in cash, transfer them to their savings accounts, or donate them. Most citizens did not make any specific choice, effectively opting to receive it directly into their accounts. This month, we will distribute 93,500 MNT after tax. Going forward, we're working on offering multiple options to shareholders by amending the Wealth Fund law." Last year, "Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi" JSC decided to distribute 350,000 MNT total as dividends to each citizen holding 1,072 shares, in three installments. Follow @montsame.mn

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1072 Shares Dividend Transfer to Citizens' Accounts Tomorrow

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: news.mn

Starting tomorrow, the remainder of the dividend for the 1072 shares of Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi JSC, which amounts to 93,499 MNT, will be distributed, as announced by ZGKH's director N. Uchral during the briefing on the decision made at the government's meeting. Additionally, the survey about how to receive this remaining dividend closes today. In detail, citizens have the option to receive their dividend either in cash, to accumulate in a Development Fund, or to deposit in a Savings Account by using the E-Mongolia application. Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi JSC decided to distribute a dividend of 350,000 MNT to each citizen with 1072 shares, divided into three installments. According to this decision, 121,500 MNT was distributed to shareholders last December. Later, before the Lunar New Year, a dividend of 100,006 MNT was distributed. For those who want to check whether they have received a dividend and other information, they can send their registration number, written in Cyrillic, to the number 158989 via SMS. Information can also be obtained from vending machines. With the latest developments, citizens can log into the E-Mongolia portal, go to their profile, and click on the 'Securities' section to get complete information on all shares owned, the companies where accounts are held, and when and to which commercial bank account their dividends were deposited. Also, those who have not opened a securities account can do so through the E-Mongolia website. Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi JSC extracted 30.4 million tons and sold 29.6 million tons of coal in 2024, achieving a net profit of 4.5 trillion MNT, thus enabling the distribution of dividends to all shareholders. The previous dividend distribution reached a completion level of 97.5%.

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B.Javkhlan: We are Studying a Reform of Progressive Taxation. It is Wrong to Flat-out Reduce the Rate

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn

On the issue of reducing the rate of income tax specified in Article 6.3 of the Personal Income Tax Law to 1%, Minister of Finance B. Javkhlan expressed the following position today: He stated, "The tax package is in the discussion stage. It includes issues of reforming personal income tax and VAT. It is wrong to reduce the rate flat-out as a matter of policy. There are no possibilities in the budget. Personal income tax is the revenue of local areas, namely the capital and provinces. For example, personal income tax accounts for 48% of Khovd province's budget revenue. What would happen if it were reduced tenfold? In some provinces, this figure is up to 70%. In the capital, it accounts for almost more than 50%. We have an economy that is overly dependent on external factors due to our mining-based economy. In such a volatile economy, we adhere to progressive taxation. Studies are being conducted to implement policy reforms such as having up to 10% for high income and as low as 1%, or even zero, for low income. The Social Insurance Fund's income is generated from both employers and employees. This fund receives subsidies of two trillion tugriks from the budget. If employers stop paying taxes, this fund's burden would fall on the taxpayers. Reforming the social insurance system is important. If we keep messing with the fund to please the public, the fund will go bankrupt. The more bankrupt it becomes, the more reliant it will become on the budget." Warning: Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social and Websites) are prohibited from using our information in any form, fully or partially, without an agreement. Usage must mention the source as (ikon.mn).

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N. Uchral: Starting tomorrow, we will begin distributing the remaining dividends from the 1,072 shares

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

N. Uchral, head of the Cabinet Secretariat of the Government of Mongolia, reported that dividends amounting to 730 billion MNT have already been issued to citizens and businesses from the profits of Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi (ETT) JSC. It was decided on April 4 to distribute 93,499 MNT after taxes per share as the third round of 2024 dividends. Based on the results of citizen surveys, starting tomorrow morning, the distribution of the remaining dividends from the 1,072 shares will be implemented. In the future, amendments will be made to the Wealth Fund law to make it optional rather than mandating cash payouts.

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N. Uchral: Distribution of 1,072 ETT Shares to Begin Tomorrow Based on Survey Results

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn

During today's regular government meeting, the Chief of the Cabinet Secretariat, N. Uchral, announced that starting from tomorrow morning, the distribution of 1,072 Erdenes Tavantolgoi (ETT) shares to citizens will be implemented. This decision was made by the board of directors. According to the decision regarding the final dividend allocation for 2024, which will be made in April, a citizen holding 1,072 shares will receive 93,499 tugriks after tax. A poll conducted through the e-Mongolia electronic system will continue until midnight today, asking citizens whether they prefer to receive their dividends in their savings account or their personal checking account. The distribution of dividends will begin tomorrow morning based on the poll results and the board of directors' decision. The government is respecting the decisions made by the board of directors as a shareholder. Initially, 895,255 citizens owned 1,072 shares of Erdenes Tavantolgoi LLC without payment. Currently, 26.4% of these shares are owned by citizens of Mongolia. The board of directors makes decisions about dividend distribution at the start of the financial year, and a total of 734 billion tugriks in dividends have been distributed to citizens and enterprises. Warning: Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social Media, and Web pages) must not use our information in whole or in part in any form. It can only be utilized by agreement if the source (ikon.mn) is mentioned.

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KhasBank Reports Net Profit of 44.1 Billion MNT for Q1 2025

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn

KhasBank recorded a net profit of 44.1 billion MNT in the first quarter of 2025, a growth of 2.8% from the previous quarter. As a result, the bank's annualized return on equity (ROE) reached 23.4% and earnings per share (EPS) stood at 167.7 MNT. Key financial indicators for Q1 2025 include: - The loan and finance lease portfolio reached 3,846 billion MNT, growing by 4.0% compared to the previous quarter. This increase was mainly due to the growth in micro, small, and medium-sized business loan portfolios and financial leases. - Total deposits and current accounts decreased by 1.7% from the previous quarter, amounting to 3,366 billion MNT. On March 24, 2025, KhasBank signed a syndicated loan agreement worth 147 million USD with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and five other financial institutions to support young entrepreneurs. This funding will be allocated as loans to entrepreneurs under the age of 35. In the first quarter of 2025, KhasBank accessed a 50 million USD funding source as part of the financing agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) established in 2024. This source will be used to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises and eco-friendly projects that help mitigate climate change. During the reporting period, KhasBank met all the prudential ratio requirements set by the Bank of Mongolia. This includes: - Tier 1 capital adequacy ratio of 19.6% (required minimum is 12.5%). - Liquidity ratio of 36.7% (required minimum is 25.0%). The annual shareholders' meeting of KhasBank LLC for 2025 will be held on April 29 at the Shangri-La Hotel's great hall in a hybrid format. Shareholders are invited to review the meeting materials. The financial position and income statements for the first quarter of 2025 can be accessed through the following links: - Financial position statement. - Income statement. Warning: Media outlets (television, radio, social media, and websites) are prohibited from using our information in whole or in part without permission. Usage is allowed only by agreement and with proper citation to the source (ikon.mn).

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Diplomacy

Meeting of the Subcommittee on Trade and Investment between Mongolia and the European Union Takes Place

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The meeting of the Subcommittee on Trade and Investment under the Joint Commission of Mongolia and the European Union (EU) was held online on April 8. During the meeting, the parties exchanged information on the current economic conditions, trade policies, investment environment, energy, and essential raw materials. The EU introduced a new initiative related to investment, called the Agreement on Promoting Sustainable Investment, and provided information on the progress of the "Gateway to the World" strategy. The Mongolian side shared information about the investment environment and measures to protect foreign investors, and agreed to explore opportunities to collaborate with the EU in agriculture, energy, essential raw materials, and materials sectors. The parties also agreed to enhance the utilization of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) and to advance the progress of the Geographical Indications Agreement. The parties agreed to organize the inaugural Mongolia-EU Business Forum in Ulaanbaatar in October this year, and preparations have begun. The meeting of the subcommittee was chaired by G. Ulziisaikhan, director of the International Trade and Economic Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from the Mongolian side, and Marco Chirullo, deputy head of the Unit for the Eastern Neighbourhood at the Directorate-General for Trade of the European Commission from the EU side, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Vice Speaker H. Bulgantuya Delivered a Speech at the 150th Assembly of the IPU

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn

During the main discussion of the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), which is ongoing in Tashkent, the capital of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Vice Speaker of the State Great Khural, H. Bulgantuya, delivered a speech. Over 1,700 delegates from 140 countries are participating in this assembly, which includes more than 90 discussions and breakout sessions. During the main discussion on "Parliamentary Activities for Social Development and Justice," Vice Speaker H. Bulgantuya emphasized the important role that parliaments, which uphold equality and ensure multi-faceted participation, play in accelerating social development and establishing justice. She highlighted the constitutional amendments introduced in Mongolia in 2023, which have created conditions for improving parliamentary representation. As a result, among the 126 members of the new parliament formed after the 2024 elections, 32 are women. Furthermore, she introduced the new generation parliament, which ensures the diverse participation of social groups and has proposed five main goals in its 2024-2028 strategic plan, all of which are based on the principles of human rights law. Vice Speaker H. Bulgantuya stated that, within this strategy, there is an aspiration to become a parliament that prioritizes citizens' interests, values the quality over the quantity of legislation, and proposes solutions based on pluralistic views and scientific evidence. She continued by presenting the key directions included in the Government of Mongolia's action program for the next four years, which aim to strengthen e-governance and combat corruption, increase state productivity, and initiate process re-engineering at all levels. As a result, it is possible to jointly resolve issues arising in society such as corruption, bureaucracy, and human rights violations through the coordinated efforts of the legislative and executive branches. In conclusion, she expressed confidence in implementing the 2024-2028 strategic plan and accelerating social development and establishing justice through active cooperation and exchange of experience with the IPU and its member countries, as reported by the Press Service of the State Great Khural.

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A New Phase in the Relations between the European Union, Central Europe's Driving Forces Czech Republic, Poland, and Mongolia - II

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn

In the framework of the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and the Republic of Poland, President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa made a state visit to Poland at the invitation of President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda. The highlight of the state visit was the ceremony where the presidents of the two countries signed a Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Partnership between Mongolia and Poland. The Joint Declaration emphasized the effective progress in the relationship between the two countries, praised the ancient traditional friendly relations and centuries-old friendship between the peoples of Mongolia and Poland, and affirmed their commitment to common values based on democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. Mongolia and Poland reaffirmed their determination to promote peace, security, and sustainable development in accordance with the three fundamental principles of the UN Charter, namely respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each state, political independence, and the right of nations to self-determination. They highlighted the shared values of democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and mutual respect, and expressed their wish to enhance bilateral relations and reach a comprehensive partnership. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1950, the two countries have accumulated extensive experience and tradition in cooperating in many socioeconomic sectors and have agreed to broaden this cooperation to include trade, economy, investment, major developmental projects, transportation, education, science, geology, mining, culture, arts, and the environment. The leaders discussed addressing global challenges such as climate change, desertification, soil degradation, and food security, as well as aligning and implementing initiatives and goals set by the two countries. To ensure the consistent development of bilateral relations at a high level, Mongolia's Minister of Foreign Affairs B. Battsetseg and Poland's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski signed the "2025-2030 Mongolia-Poland Comprehensive Partnership Action Plan" along with more than 10 legal documents on bilateral cooperation. During the state visit, both presidents participated in the Mongolia-Poland business forum held at the Western hotel, where they delivered opening remarks. President of Poland Andrzej Duda expressed interest in participating in Mongolia's major infrastructure projects, including the mega-projects in New Kharkhorin and the public transport project in Ulaanbaatar. He highlighted the potential for economic cooperation between the two countries, emphasizing that the human resources educated in Poland can act as a driving force for further collaboration. Mongolian President U. Khurelsukh highlighted the state visit's recognition of the comprehensive partnership between Mongolia and Poland, noting that the economic and trade turnover between the two countries has increased in recent years, but has not yet reached the desired level. Therefore, Mongolia is focusing on attracting foreign investment, improving the legal environment, and increasing trade turnover. He invited cooperation with Mongolian businesses on major infrastructure projects, drawing on Poland's previous experience in such projects in the 1980s. The business forum was attended by over 180 entities from about 20 sectors, including food, agriculture, light industry, trade, services, mining, construction, energy, education, health, and transport logistics from both sides, resulting in business contracts worth 8 million euros, enriching the economic content of the state visit. Bilateral trade, which has increased 1.5 times in the last three years and reached 105 million USD, is expected to expand further. Mongolia mainly exports wool, cashmere, leather, and mining products to Poland and imports food products, machinery, medicine, and medical equipment from Poland. According to EU sources, Mongolian companies have benefited from export tariff preferences under the "Good Governance and Sustainable Development" scheme of the EU's GSP+ amounting to 121 million euros by the end of 2023, with a significant share going to Italy, Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic. Cultural diplomacy continued in Poland during President U. Khurelsukh's state visit, with discussions held between the leaders of the Polish National History Museum and the Chinggis Khaan National Museum about initiating collaboration between the museums and organizing an international "Chinggis Khaan" exhibition in Warsaw in the coming years. President Andrzej Duda, along with his wife, attended a concert by the Mongolian Horsehead Fiddle Symphony Orchestra at the Warsaw Philharmonic Hall. During the concert, the orchestra performed classical pieces by the 19th-century Polish composer and virtuoso pianist Fryderyk Chopin on the horsehead fiddle, which was truly amazing. This performance resonated with the Mongolians and Polish audiences in Poland and Europe. According to Polish media, the Horsehead Fiddle Symphony Orchestra is a reflection of the history, culture, and traditions of the Mongolian people and has been honored with the prestigious Chinggis Khaan Order. Over a thousand Mongolians legally study and work in Poland, most of whom are engaged in traditional folk medicine, which Poland is the only country in the EU to recognize. For their effective work in the field of traditional medicine for many years, Mongolian citizens have been awarded state honors by the decree of the President of Mongolia. Concerning educational diplomacy, President U. Khurelsukh met with over 30 students studying at Czech universities under the "Scholarship-2100" program, who expressed their confidence in continuing the historical traditions of relations between the two countries into a new era. During his state visit to Poland, President U. Khurelsukh also met with representatives of over 100 students studying there under the "Scholarship-2100" program and encouraged them to study diligently and contribute to the development of their homeland. Additionally, during the state visit of President Andrzej Duda to Mongolia, the heads of the archival administrations of Mongolia and Poland signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on April 25, 2023, providing legal opportunities for expanding cooperation. Director of the State Archives of Poland, Pawel Petczyk, presented a copy of a letter from Khan Tokhtamysh of the Golden Horde to the Polish King Jagiello to the Director of the Mongolian General Archive S. Enkhbaatar. The original document is preserved in Poland's Ancient Documents Archive. Tokhtamysh Khan lived from 1342-1406, ruled between 1380-1395, stopped the disintegration of the Golden Horde by uniting the Blue Horde and the White Horde, and was the great-great-grandson of Tuqatimur, a son of Zuchi Khan, the eldest son of Chinggis Khan. In 1850, professors A.M. Kovalevsky from Kazan University and historian N.K. Kazem-Beku completed the research on this letter, publishing it in a work on the correspondence of Khan Tokhtamysh with King Jagiello in 1392-1393, marking the letter's first scientific examination. The letter lists the names of the envoy representatives sent by Khan Tokhtamysh and discusses war matters, tribute from subject states to the imperial treasury, and meetings of merchants from the two countries. Moreover, in 1915, records from the Mongolian population census conducted under the guidance of Russian historian and researcher I.M. Mayski are preserved in the Scientific Archives of Poland's Academy of Science in Krakow and St. Petersburg Moscow. It is believed that Polish scholar V.L. Kotvich took the majority of these records to Poland during his tenure. This census, the first of its kind in the 20th century in Mongolia, with records over 7,800 pages long, was handed over to the Mongolian side shortly after Andrzej Duda's visit as part of the legal agreement for cooperation between the archive administrations. In closing, the political significance of the state visits lies firstly in the declaration of elevating the level of relations with the Czech Republic and Poland, driving forces of Central Europe in the EU, to a Comprehensive Partnership level in the context of new geopolitical conditions. Secondly, it enriched bilateral relations and cooperation with economic content, providing steady momentum. Thirdly, it persistently promoted and propagated Mongolia's historical and cultural heritage in Europe. Fourthly, it significantly contributed to strengthening relations and cooperation between Mongolia and the EU, which share common values. Lastly, it enhanced the "third neighbor" policy of Mongolia with fresh legal content. Notably, various electronic media outlets in the Czech Republic and Poland wrote that President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh's state visits to the Czech Republic and Poland, which are staunch supporters of Ukraine's struggle, demonstrate full support for Ukraine's fight.

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Infrastructure

Requested Investment in Road Projects

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Minister of Road and Transportation B. Delgersaikhan met with Ina Marciulionytė, the EU Ambassador, Arno Appriou, the Program Manager of the EU Delegation to Mongolia, and Auvo Kaikkonen, the head of the EU's representative office for China and Mongolia. During the meeting, Minister Delgersaikhan presented projects to transform the Lun-Kharakhorin road into a four-lane highway and make the Zamiin-Uud-Khushig Valley vertical axis road a four-lane road. He expressed the desire for investment and collaboration on these projects. He explained, “These roads account for 78% of our country's import freight. Every day, 1000 vehicles travel from Zamiin-Uud to Eren, and the same number return loaded with goods. Our ministry aims to invest in the most economically beneficial and heavily utilized roads. Specifically, we plan to upgrade the roads that connect us with our northern and southern neighbors to four lanes.” Arno Appriou, the Program Manager of the EU Delegation to Mongolia, stated, “We came to evaluate the ‘Billion Trees’ campaign and the forest development project. We have had discussions with the Deputy Prime Minister and other ministers regarding the development of satellite cities. The European Investment Bank is focused on the transport sector and is meeting with you now. Since our team has experience in the transport sector, we will examine whether your proposed projects meet our loan requirements. If they fit our conditions, we will sign a memorandum.” Additionally, it was noted that the European Investment Bank plans to hold a forum meeting of European organizations operating in Mongolia, Russia, and China in Ulaanbaatar on October 13-14.

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Discussion on Accelerating the Implementation of the Egiin Gol Hydroelectric Power Plant

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: news.mn

Regular meetings of the government are scheduled to take place every Wednesday. In today’s regular meeting of the government, 32 issues are being discussed, including the export of mining products and the state of national foreign exchange reserves, the Tavan Tolgoi thermal power plant project, the draft government resolution on establishing boundaries for strategic mineral deposits (including Asgat silver deposit, Tömörtein Ovoo zinc deposit, Dornod uranium deposit, Mardai uranium deposit, Gurvanbulag uranium deposit, Oyu Tolgoi group deposit, Boroo gold deposit, and Tömörtei iron deposit), the draft government resolution on accelerating the implementation of the 'Egiin Gol Hydroelectric Power Plant' project, the draft government resolution on confirming the coordinates of the start, end, and turning points of roads, issues related to the court dispute involving the "Darkhan Metallurgical Plant" state-owned company, ways to expedite the 'Orkhon-On-gui' project, and the progress of establishing the 'On-gui-Tsagaan Buragatai Water Complex'.

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Introduction to the "Tavantolgoi Thermal Power Plant" Project

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn

At a meeting of the Government today, Energy Minister B. Choijilsuren presented the progress of the Tavantolgoi Thermal Power Plant Project. In the Government's 2024-2028 action plan and New Revival Policy, a 450 MW thermal power plant is planned to be built at Tavantolgoi to meet the electricity needs of the Oyutolgoi and Tavantolgoi deposits, along with other strategically important mining projects in the southern region, from domestic sources. The tender to select the contractor for the construction of the plant was announced in June 2023, but due to lawsuits and proceedings initiated by participants of the tender, the dispute resolution continued until December 2024. The Supreme Court's decision fully denied the claimant's demands. The Government Press Office (ZGHMonCG) reported that in light of issues encountered during the selection of the contractor and financier for the project's construction, relevant officials have been instructed to implement measures to amend the relevant laws and regulatory environment as necessary.

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Monthly Subsidy for Households Using Gas and Electric Heating

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn

A proposal has been included in the policy draft to grant a monthly subsidy of 50,000 to 250,000 MNT to households in ger districts that have switched to gas and electric heaters. All households in the ger districts that have switched to gas and electric heaters will receive a monthly cash reward, as announced. The draft policy for providing this reward was discussed at the meeting of the City Council's Committee on Environment. According to the presentation by the head of the Capital City's Air and Environmental Pollution Department, Munkhbaatar, the draft includes provisions for households that have insulated their homes to prevent heat loss and have stopped using solid fuels to receive free equipment installation once. Additionally, all households using gas and electric heaters will receive a usage-based price subsidy, which will range from 50,000 to 250,000 MNT per month depending on their usage. Initially, 52,000 households in highly polluted areas of the capital city will introduce the use of gas and electric fuels. Detailed research is being conducted to determine the percentage of households living in houses and those living in gers, as well as how to insulate and determine which households will get electric or gas appliances installed. The city will perform the insulation for the homes, but the households are responsible for the outer facade and the entrance veranda. Households will be selected by region, focusing on areas with high air pollution, and a tripartite agreement will be made between the capital city's mayor, district and neighborhood governors, and the household to have a monitoring working group operate according to the agreement. The installation of gas appliances will be organized in collaboration with the Asia Foundation, and in addition to household members, emergency, police, civil servants, and industry professionals will be included in the training. During the committee meeting, the regulation "Improving Air Quality in the Capital City by Installing Electric Heaters and All Types of Gas Appliances in Ger District Households and Offering Usage-based Discounts" was set to be discussed and approved in the City Council's third regular meeting. This year, the ger districts in the inner-city areas of Moskov, the 1st district, behind the 3rd and 4th districts, Ekhnyalkh, Gandan, and the 32nd circle will be included in the green zone and connected to the gas infrastructure. Studies suggest that air pollution will decrease by 15% during the winter of 2025-2026 after these implementations. Warning: Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social Media, and Websites) are prohibited from using our information in any form, completely or partially, unless agreed upon and must cite the source (ikon.mn) if agreed.

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A working group is established to address the issue of canceling the increase in automobile tax, headed by T.Aubakir

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: isee.mn

Citizens initiated a petition to cancel the increase in automobile tax through the "D-Petition" electronic system, collecting 100,000 signatures. Consequently, Speaker of the Parliament D.Amarbayasgalan introduced the issue to the parliamentary session and transferred it to the budget standing committee. Today, the State Organizational Association discussed the matter and established the relevant working group. This working group is headed by Member of Parliament T.Aubakir.

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Project to Improve Traffic Safety Around Schools to be Implemented

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Representatives from the Capital City Council and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) exchanged views on reducing traffic accidents near schools. KOICA will implement the "Ulaanbaatar City Traffic Safety Improvement, School Zone Pilot Installation, and Capacity Building PMC Project." This project aims to significantly reduce the number of children involved in traffic accidents by including 10 schools located in high-traffic and high-risk areas of the capital. Considering seasonal characteristics, a maintenance and safety plan will be developed, along with measures to regulate traffic in school zones during the start and end of the school day. Special training will also be provided for children, parents, and drivers, and school zones will be categorized according to the specifics of road traffic, with corresponding legal and regulatory standards planned. According to the Capital City Council's Information and Analysis Department, the implementation of the project is expected to drastically reduce traffic accidents near general education schools.

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Ulaanbaatar City's Sludge Incineration Plant Will Destroy 250 Cubic Meters of Sludge Daily

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

Under the framework of 24 mega projects to develop Ulaanbaatar city, a plant with the capacity to incinerate 250 cubic meters of sludge per day will be built between 2025 and 2027. This plant will dehydrate, dry, and incinerate municipal and industrial sludge from the new wastewater treatment plant of Ulaanbaatar city, thereby reducing soil and water pollution. The plant is designed to dry and incinerate 250 cubic meters of sludge daily, converting it into 5-6 cubic meters of ash. In other words, the daily sludge output from the plant will be 238 tons, with a total sludge reserve estimated at 843,200 cubic meters. The total area of the project is approximately 40,000 square meters, and the sludge incineration plant is planned to be built in front of the sewage treatment facility of Ulaanbaatar city. The municipal and industrial sludge discharged from the treatment plant of Ulaanbaatar city will first undergo deep dehydration before incineration. Old sludge will be pre-screened and dried before incineration. External household waste will also be pre-screened and incinerated. The smoke gases produced from combustion will be extracted from the steam boiler and primarily used for electricity generation by a steam turbine, while the low-pressure steam will be used as a heat source for the dryer. The smoke gases generated during incineration will be processed using the standard "SNCR (inside the boiler) + electrostatic precipitator + semi-dry acid neutralization + activated carbon injection + filter + wet acid neutralization + fan," and then released through a chimney. The ash resulting from the incineration and smoke gas purification process will be buried or used as construction material. It will purify sanitation sludge and odor together. The incineration system will use a unified fluidized bed incinerator. The incineration system adapts to a wide range of material characteristics. The plant will have an air gas purification facility. The operation will be carried out using low-carbon building methods.

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Society

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: news.mn

News Agency presents an overview of events taking place on April 9, 2025. At 9:00 AM: The "Dormitory 2.0" National III Conference will be held at the Holiday Inn Hotel. At 10:00 AM: A discussion on the draft law amending the Social Insurance Law will take place at the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. At 10:00 AM: Member of Parliament G. Luvsanjamts will present a lecture titled "International and Japanese Experiences in Urban Planning" at the Press Institute. At 11:00 AM: The Asian Development Bank will present the "Asian Development Outlook 2025" report and the economic growth projections of Mongolia, along with future prospects, at the Shangri-La Hotel. At 11:30 AM: Citizen D. Dorjdavaa will give information at the National Press Center on how Ulaanbaatar's toxic smoke and traffic jams can be resolved by up to 80% at very low cost and with high economic efficiency before the winter of 2025.

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Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: isee.mn

MP B. Tuvshin: We will stop collecting taxes on one-time work fees and incentives, and relieve employers from paying social insurance contributions on behalf of their employees. MP B. Tuvshin and Ch. Lodoysambu have drafted a bill to amend the General Law on Social Insurance, which is set to be submitted to the State Great Khural next week. Specifically, the amendments include stopping the collection of taxes on one-time work fees and incentives and relieving employers from paying social insurance contributions on behalf of their employees. We spoke with MP B. Tuvshin about this legislative initiative. What do you see as the pressing need to amend the General Law on Social Insurance? The first amendment to the Social Insurance Law was made in 2008. Before that, it was regulated under the Labor Law with a general guideline that "social insurance should apply to labor relations." But in 2008, changes were made to the law based on the increase in the number of domestic workers and contract herders. Social insurance contributions were imposed on services contracted under Civil Law contracts, establishing the initial foundation. Since the law that took effect in 2024, contributions are collected from all contracts made by individuals for services. People are saying that social insurance has mutated into a tax, and this is why. To rectify this, the relationship governed by the Labor Law and Civil Law must be distinguished. For example, if a person engaged in transportation services signs a contract with you to provide services worth 50 million MNT, they will pay more than 10% in social insurance contributions. They also pay 10% income tax and 10% VAT. Furthermore, the organization that contracted the service will pay 12.5% tax on behalf of the person. Thus, a total tax of over 40% is being paid. It’s not just excessive but a tax burden. A person providing transportation services must cover fuel, spare parts, and family expenses from their income, making it difficult for citizens to conduct business. On the other hand, social insurance remains essential. Therefore, let’s stop collecting mandatory social insurance contributions from entrepreneurs working under civil contracts. Instead, social insurance should only be collected from labor relations between employees and employers. This will increase job positions. Currently, small business operators are unable to cope with such tax burdens, leading them to seek employment abroad. As more jobs are created, personal income tax will increase. What impact will this have on the budget? Have studies been conducted? The reduction in the Social Insurance Fund will be very small, only 0.14% of budget revenue. This is a minimal reduction for the budget, but on the other hand, it will greatly improve the business environment for many people. The law also addresses stopping social insurance contributions on monetary benefits and incentives provided by employers to employees outside of wages. Currently, taxes are collected on all costs, aren't they? We should distinguish between wages and similar income as outlined in the Labor Law and other income. We propose stopping social insurance contributions on benefits and incentives such as transportation, housing, and fuel expenses provided by organizations in addition to wages. This will increase employees' net income, positively affecting their livelihoods. Organizations can also be incentivized to increase these benefits, thereby increasing income tax. Additionally, organizations pay social insurance contributions based on their wage fund. Previously, there was no upper limit on individual wages. We will introduce an upper limit. Individuals only pay contributions based on the legal minimum wage multiplied by ten, but organizations pay without limits. Should this be equalized? Yes, it should be consistent for both organizations and individuals. Organizations and employees currently pay a total of 24% in social insurance contributions. Is there any plan to reduce this high percentage in the bill? This is not included. Studies are ongoing. The social insurance contribution's burden depends on from which income it is collected. While wages contribute neither excessively high nor low compared to international standards, maintaining the Social Insurance Fund's revenue without reducing it and increasing pensions and allowances should be a policy. Through my bill, the revenue side of social insurance contributions will be organized. You are conducting discussions related to drafting the bill. Are you including all social groups in these discussions? What proposals are brought forward by small business owners? How do they describe their real conditions? From the discussions, it is clear that businesses find it impossible to operate due to tax and social insurance burdens. People are receiving our bill positively because of this. Trust between the state, citizens, and enterprises on fair tax and insurance levels is crucial. Yes, social insurance contributions must exist. Too low a contribution will lead to insufficient pensions and social services; too high will eliminate the income-generating segment. Our current state reflects this. Thus, taking the correct amount properly should be the practice. The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection aims to renew the Social Insurance Law package, and we will incorporate citizens' proposals here. My bill primarily aims to organize the revenue side. Regardless of income or expenditure, laws should be based on substantial calculations and research. First, we must resolve three key issues like removing a thorn. The revenue side must be undisputed, clearly defining which aspects should incur social insurance contributions. Many see the requirement for herders to have half their social insurance paid by others as unfair. What's your stance on this? This unjust issue is expenditure-related, which I must address. However, the government may propose changes. If not, we will make clear proposals. We must understand the philosophy of social insurance. I believe everyone should receive a pension. However, those who haven't paid contributions will retire at a later age and receive a smaller pension, while those who've worked all their lives receive a higher one. Everyone will receive something similar, regardless of whether they worked. People are dissatisfied with pension amounts. After paying contributions all their lives, retirees feel they receive too little pension. Is there a plan to increase pensions soon? Indeed, we need to work on this. An accurate understanding of pensions must be given to increase the average pension. By what criteria should pension amounts be calculated? What is the most optimal amount? We talk about indexation—this is the difference between pensions for those who retired many years ago compared to today. Pensions should be set at current levels, as those who retired earlier paid taxes according to past rates. People who worked many years and paid social insurance should receive higher pensions, while those who worked less should receive lower pensions. The goal is to increase average pensions annually as part of our social-economic policy. We must determine this balance. Some suggest stopping social security contributions if they can't retrieve the funds themselves. Social and economic policies should guide the country. Everyone will eventually retire. Increasing average pensions requires proper revenue from appropriate sources. More jobs will also boost income. Excessive collections can halt development. Pension rates must be made fairer. Thank you for the interview.

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GOVI-ALTAI: Collaboration with UNICEF

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn

UNICEF has decided to collaborate with Govi-Altai province to support the education and health sectors. Governor of the province G. Chinbat and advisor M. Erdenebileg of member of parliament O. Amgalanbaatar met with UNICEF's resident representative Evaristi Koussi Komlan in Ulaanbaatar to exchange ideas. During the meeting, they discussed issues related to the health, education, participation, and protection of the province's children, presented work results and initiatives, and exchanged opinions. The meeting resulted in decisions to collaborate on several projects, including establishing a "One District-One Chair" dental office, an English teachers' program, a foundational study to launch the "Milk for Every Child" program, and providing all-terrain vehicles to reach children and citizens in rural areas.

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Environment

SELENGE: The Central Region to Become a Specialized Food, Agriculture, and Industrial Subregion

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The Mongolian government has decided to intensify and implement the "Atar-4 Sustainable Agricultural Development Campaign" over a period of 4 years. The goal of this campaign is to introduce advanced agricultural technologies, adapt new and beneficial crops suited to the soil and climatic conditions, and increase feed production. This is aimed at creating a perfect combination of agriculture and animal husbandry to develop the central region into a specialized food, agriculture, and industrial subregion. As part of this initiative, the government has decided to provide concessional loans with interest support through 10 commercial banks, titled the "Revolving and Investment Loan to Support Sustainable Agricultural Production." Specifically, these loans will be distributed through Khaan, State, Golomt, Trade and Development, Capitron, Transport Development, Xac, Bogd, Arig, and M banks.

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Expanded Plantation Area for "Khar Tatar"

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Employees and officials of the Altai Tavan Bogd Natural Complex have expanded the "Khar Tatar" plantation area to 126 hectares, planting willows, seabuckthorn, and poplars. The "Khar Tatar" plantation area has been cultivating trees using the respiring nursery and felt yurt wood factory method for afforestation and plantation purposes since 1998, initially starting with 35 hectares. The aim is to eventually establish a small-scale nursery using the area. The Director of the Sector Control Department of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, B. Munkhtogtokh, and the Head of the Financial Department, D. Oyungerel, are on a business trip to Zavkhan, Govi-Altai, Bayan-Ölgii, and Khovd provinces. They visited the "Khar Tatar" plantation area located in the buffer zone of the Altai Tavan Bogd Natural Complex to assess the work done and the working conditions of the rangers. Each year, 10 tons of hay are prepared from the "Khar Tatar" plantation area for biotechnical measures aimed at mountain and forest ungulates. Additionally, when the weather becomes severe, red deer come to overwinter in the plantation area.

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WARNING!!! Snowstorms and Strong Winds Expected in Several Areas Tomorrow and the Next Day

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The National Emergency Commission has issued a warning about hazardous snowstorms and strong winds expected tomorrow and the day after. Snowstorms are expected on April 10th in the eastern part of Zavkhan, the southern part of Khuvsgul, Darkhan-Uul, Erdenet, Bulgan, Selenge, and the northwestern part of Tuv province. During the night of April 10-11, snowstorms will occur in Tuv, Dundgovi, Khentii, and the northern part of Dornod provinces. On April 11th, snowstorms are expected in Khentii, Dornod, Sukhbaatar, and Dornogovi provinces. Strong winds will affect the northern and eastern parts of Zavkhan, northern Arkhangai, southern Bulgan, and the western part of Tuv province on April 10th. During the night of April 10-11, strong winds will occur in Bayankhongor, Uvurkhangai, Umnugovi, and Dundgovi provinces. On April 11th, strong winds are expected in Umnugovi, Dundgovi, Dornogovi, and Sukhbaatar provinces, with wind speeds reaching 18-20 meters per second, and at times exceeding 24 meters per second. Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social media, and Websites) are prohibited from using our information in any form, either in full or in part, without consent. If used, the source (ikon.mn) must be cited. Please take note!

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Innovation

Approve and Implement the Plan for Introducing the "International Comprehensive Evaluation System"

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: isee.mn

Mongolia's 2024 Parliamentary Resolution No. 21 approved the "2024-2028 Government Action Program," which includes objective 4.2.3.2. This mandated the introduction and development of the "International Comprehensive Evaluation System (DME)" to E. Odbayar, a minister of Mongolia and the chairman of the National Evaluation Committee, appointed by the Prime Minister of Mongolia's 2024 directive. Within the framework of this directive, Ch. Unurbayar, the head of the Government Control Office, established a working group led by D. Uurintuy, the head of the Evaluation and Monitoring Department. The group is working to present research findings to officials responsible for ministry oversight and evaluation, as well as the first meeting of the National Evaluation Committee. They are focusing on ensuring the integration of planning, budgeting, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation before implementing the "International Comprehensive Evaluation System (DME)." At the Cabinet meeting, the introduction of the "International Comprehensive Evaluation System (DME)" will be presented. According to the third note of the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development L. Gantumur, Minister and Chairman of the National Evaluation Committee E. Odbayar, and Minister of Finance B. Javkhlan will be tasked with jointly approving and organizing the implementation of the preparatory action plan for the DME system introduction. Ch. Unurbayar, head of the Government Control Office, and D. Uurintuy, head of the Monitoring and Evaluation Department, met with Secretary J. Ganbat of the Ministry of Finance, Head M. Sanjaadorj of the Budget Policy and Planning Department, Head G. Otgonbayar of the Internal Audit and Evaluation Department, Head Ts. Erdenebat of the Development Policy and Planning Department of the Ministry of Economic Development, and Head J. Unurjargal of the Oversight, Evaluation, and Internal Audit Department to exchange ideas. The approval and implementation of the preparatory action plan to introduce this system will provide preliminary conditions for the introduction of the "International Comprehensive Evaluation System (DME)" and ensure the integration of planning, budgeting, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation processes, thereby improving the outcomes of development policies.

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CENTRAL: Mobile Kindergarten Uses Solar Energy for Heating

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn

In the Zamt 4th district of Altanbulag soum, Tuv province, a "Mobile Kindergarten" is operating, providing preschool education to 15 children. According to Altanbulag soum's governor, D. Batsuuri, "In the summer, children's kindergartens were held in yurts, which were inadequate and uncomfortable during windy or dusty conditions. With this mobile kindergarten established, children can now obtain preschool education in a comfortable environment. The heating issue has been solved using solar energy, creating a clean, smoke-free environment," he said. In Altanbulag soum, there are 269 children aged 2-5. Of these, 160 attend classes. The Zamt 4th district is located about 100 kilometers from the soum center. Herdsmen and children from livestock-owning families in the district usually have limited opportunities to attend preschool education, and it has been one year since they started using the mobile kindergarten. In this kindergarten, children study all the subjects that can be obtained through preschool education systematically. Altanbulag soum was initially established in 1936 under the name Bor-Öndör on the site of the Bagh-Ondor temple. Historically, it was known as the great Bogd’s encampment. The current Altanbulag soum was founded in 1959. It has four administrative districts: Sumt, Argal, Altan-Ovoo, and Zamt. By the end of 2024, the population consisted of 3,175 people from 1,018 households, and the livestock count was 237,325.

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FOCUS: Emphasizing Digitalization of Government Services

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Zuunmod. A training session was held to empower the heads of the aimag governor's office, legal experts, employment and social welfare specialists, social policy experts, and digital services specialists. The purpose of this activity is to provide professional and methodological advice and support for the implementation of the Government of Mongolia's and the aimag governor's 2024-2028 action programs, the aimag's 2025 Development Year plan, and other laws, policies, and programs at the sum (district) level. Today's training is organized in both general and sector-specific sections. In opening the training, Aimag Governor L. Temuurchudur stated, "Government servants providing primary services must approach their work with dedication and serve citizens efficiently without causing inconvenience. It is crucial for every employee to maintain close coordination and focus on increasing their work productivity. The results and productivity of your work directly reflect the success of the district and local activities, so each of you must take responsibility in your work. Our aimag is placing special emphasis on the digitalization of government services. Through the 'Digital Tuv Aimag' program, we have recently handed over kiosk machines to all sums, which streamline and transition government services to a digital format. As a result, it is essential to deliver government services quickly and without hassle to the residents." G. Munkhgerel, Head of the Public Administration and Management Department of the Tuv Aimag Governor's Office, explained, "We provided information in 31 topics in both general and sector-specific sections. The knowledge and skills acquired during the training should be applied in improving work productivity. We also provided methodologies for overcoming challenges encountered in the workplace. During the comprehensive training, discussions were held on the implementation of civil service laws, issues to pay attention to, ethics of civil servants, legal policy directions, and methodologies for control, monitoring, and evaluation. Information was also provided on issues to focus on in the social sector in 2025 and 'E-Mongolia usage and application.'

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Health

Confirmed Cases of Measles Reach 414

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) has reported information on the measles situation. As of today, the confirmed cases of measles have reached 414, with 135 patients being treated in hospitals and one receiving treatment at home, while 278 cases have recovered. The disease remains highly prevalent among the 10-14 age group. Measles is a highly contagious disease that can be prevented by vaccination. It has been warned that children and individuals in general and secondary schools, where measles cases frequently appear, should get vaccinated to protect themselves and others from the disease. Warning: Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social media, and Web pages) are prohibited from using our information in any form, either in full or partially, without permission, and must reference the source (ikon.mn) if agreed.

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Sports

FIBA 3x3 Ulaanbaatar Super Quest 2025 to be held in Mongolia

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn

In connection with the start of the new season of 3x3 basketball, the "FIBA 3x3 Ulaanbaatar Super Quest 2025" tournament will be held in our country. This competition will take place on the 12th and 13th of this month at the Sports Palace. Six teams from Mongolia, including "Ulaanbaatar East," "Ulaanbaatar West," and "Zavkhan Saints," as well as 12 top teams from China, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan will compete. The teams will be divided into four groups of three. The teams that place first and second in each group will advance to the knockout stage. The teams winning the gold and silver medals in this tournament will qualify for the Chengdu tournament. Let's introduce the teams: Group A: Mongolia's "Ulaanbaatar East," Japan's "Nishinomiya," Singapore's "Jumpshot" Group B: Mongolia's "Ulaanbaatar West," Singapore's "Singapore," Taiwan's "Taipei Knights" Group C: Mongolia's "Zavkhan Saints," "Darkhan Knights," South Korea's "Seoul Cosmo" Group D: Mongolia's "Selenge Bodons," "Bayankhairkhan Mig," China's "Kunming" The group matches will start on the 12th of this month at 15:00 with the game between "Ulaanbaatar East" and "Nishinomiya."

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Arts

Inspection at Mongolian State University of Arts and Culture

Published: 2025-04-09 | Translated from: isee.mn

Due to numerous complaints regarding workplace harassment and violence in the cultural and arts sector, the National Human Rights Commission is conducting an inspection at the Mongolian State University of Arts and Culture (MSUAC). The commission is inspecting the School of Music Arts at MSUAC. Led by commission member Kh. Munkhzul, the task force is examining the implementation of the rights of students at the School of Music Arts to education, non-discrimination, freedom from harassment and violence, and protection from forced labor. In recent years, the commission has received several complaints related to workplace harassment and violence in the cultural and arts sector, and it has conducted inspections and issued requirements and recommendations to the relevant authorities accordingly. The School of Music Arts, one of the six schools that constitute MSUAC, is currently operating with 358 undergraduate and 43 part-time students for the 2024-2025 academic year, and has a staff of 126 teachers and employees. The school has departments for Music Theory, Classical Arts, National Arts, Teacher and Arts Education, and Modern Music. As part of the inspection, the regulations and rules concerning students, as well as preventative measures against human rights violations, are being analyzed. Individual interviews, explanations, and surveys with teachers and students are being conducted. Based on the inspection results, measures prescribed by the Law on the National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia will be taken.

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Today's Stories

Politics

Economy

Diplomacy

Infrastructure

Society

Environment

Innovation

Health

Sports

Arts

Politics

The Mongolian Parliament's Initiative for a People-Centered Legal Environment

EVENT: Presentation of the First Instance Court Decision in the Green Bus Case

Appointment of Brigadier General J. Byambasuren as Head of the Border Protection Authority Introduced at Government Meeting

No Courage to Criticize Those in Power Among Citizens or Politicians

President U.Khurelsukh to Present Proposal for Reelection of Chief Prosecutor B.Jargalsaikhan to Party Groups

President U. Khürelsükh to Present Proposal for Reappointment of Chief Prosecutor B. Jargalsaikhan

President U. Khürelsükh's Proposal for the Reappointment of Prosecutor General B. Jargalsaikhan to be Discussed by Parliamentary Groups

Shared Experiences on How Political Parties Report Finances Online Worldwide

LIVE: Court Decision Announced for the 'Green Bus Case' Involving A. Ganhuyag and 24 Others

Economy

ADB: Mongolia's Economy to Grow by 6.6% in 2025

ADB: Mongolia's Economy to Grow by 6.6% This Year

B. Javkhlan: Our country's exports grew by 9% compared to last week, reaching 237 million USD

37th BARILGA EXPO International Construction Fair is in 2 Days

$253 Million Export Made Last Month. Foreign Exchange Reserves at $5 Billion

The Tugrik's Exchange Rate Declines by More Than 10 Against the Dollar in a Single Day for the First Time Since 2022

Dividend Distribution of 1072 Shares to Start Tomorrow

NEXUS NET ZERO | Green Solution public-private partnership forum successfully held

Kh. Gankhuyag: All government investment and expenditure money will go out with VAT

54,000 Companies with Incomes Above 1.5 Billion are Owned by 1,200 People

D.Munkhtuya: Participation in the “Mongolia Mining 2025” Exhibition to Showcase New Trends in Mining Equipment

B. Javkhlan: We plan to implement measures focused on ports to increase exports

N.Uchral: "The Dividends of Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi JSC Will Be Deposited into Citizens' Accounts Tomorrow"

1072 Shares Dividend Transfer to Citizens' Accounts Tomorrow

B.Javkhlan: We are Studying a Reform of Progressive Taxation. It is Wrong to Flat-out Reduce the Rate

N. Uchral: Starting tomorrow, we will begin distributing the remaining dividends from the 1,072 shares

N. Uchral: Distribution of 1,072 ETT Shares to Begin Tomorrow Based on Survey Results

KhasBank Reports Net Profit of 44.1 Billion MNT for Q1 2025

Diplomacy

Meeting of the Subcommittee on Trade and Investment between Mongolia and the European Union Takes Place

Vice Speaker H. Bulgantuya Delivered a Speech at the 150th Assembly of the IPU

A New Phase in the Relations between the European Union, Central Europe's Driving Forces Czech Republic, Poland, and Mongolia - II

Infrastructure

Requested Investment in Road Projects

Discussion on Accelerating the Implementation of the Egiin Gol Hydroelectric Power Plant

Introduction to the "Tavantolgoi Thermal Power Plant" Project

Monthly Subsidy for Households Using Gas and Electric Heating

A working group is established to address the issue of canceling the increase in automobile tax, headed by T.Aubakir

Project to Improve Traffic Safety Around Schools to be Implemented

Ulaanbaatar City's Sludge Incineration Plant Will Destroy 250 Cubic Meters of Sludge Daily

Society

News Guide: Discussion on Amendments to the Social Insurance Law

MP B.Tuvshin on Proposed Changes to Social Insurance Law

GOVI-ALTAI: Collaboration with UNICEF

Environment

SELENGE: The Central Region to Become a Specialized Food, Agriculture, and Industrial Subregion

Expanded Plantation Area for "Khar Tatar"

WARNING!!! Snowstorms and Strong Winds Expected in Several Areas Tomorrow and the Next Day

Innovation

Approve and Implement the Plan for Introducing the "International Comprehensive Evaluation System"

CENTRAL: Mobile Kindergarten Uses Solar Energy for Heating

FOCUS: Emphasizing Digitalization of Government Services

Health

Confirmed Cases of Measles Reach 414

Sports

FIBA 3x3 Ulaanbaatar Super Quest 2025 to be held in Mongolia

Arts

Inspection at Mongolian State University of Arts and Culture

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