Apr 19, 2025 82 min read Daily News Summaries

Mongolia News Summary for April 19, 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

Special Envoys Begin Making Their Commitments

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: news.mn

Special Envoy Ambassadors have started taking office and making commitments to diligently fulfill their assigned duties. According to Foreign Minister B. Battsetseg, the special envoy ambassadors are not yet official. Today, former President of Mongolia N. Enkhbayar announced that during his tenure as a special envoy ambassador, he will not receive a salary and that he will strive to make the new Kharkhorum city the most modern city possible. The Prime Minister met with former members of the National Security Council, including former Presidents, Speakers of Parliament, and Prime Ministers, and proposed appointing them as Special Envoy Ambassadors under the government. The role entails representing Mongolia in negotiations and advancing 14 mega projects both domestically and internationally, as announced by the government. Enkhbayar noted, “I have paid attention to the issue of Kharkhorum for many years. When I was Prime Minister, I supported giving Kharkhorum the status of a regional hub. When I was Speaker of Parliament, I laid the foundation for its restoration. Therefore, if you trust me, I am ready to take responsibility for the Kharkhorum project and to cooperate in making it a city that represents Mongolia's image. Secondly, Mongolia is overly dependent on coal, which brings negative impacts. Mongolia needs the capacity to process its raw minerals and develop new technology, something I have advocated for many years. I am willing to take responsibility for advanced technology, to support, train, and foster young entrepreneurs,” he informed. Other special envoy ambassadors have also become acquainted with their duties and have started making their own commitments.

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Amendments Made to the Law on Parliamentary Elections

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: isee.mn

At the session of the parliament, the first discussion was held on the draft law to amend the Law on Parliamentary Elections, which was developed in connection with the acceptance of the third conclusion of the Constitutional Court. The Constitutional Court found that Article 41.9 of the Law on Parliamentary Elections, which stated, "If a member of parliament intends to stand for re-election, they may distribute their report on their work before the nomination process begins, and this will not be considered campaign material," and Article 44.6, which stated, "Prior to the start of the nomination process, meetings and events not prohibited by this law, held by a member of parliament to present their work report to voters, will not be considered activities carried out for the purpose of attracting votes," violates Article 1.2 of the Constitution, which says, "... equality ... rule of law are fundamental principles of state activity," Article 14.1, which states, "All persons lawfully residing in Mongolia are equal before the law and the courts," Article 14.2, "No person shall be discriminated against on the basis of ... official position ...," and Article 16.9, "... the right to vote and be elected to state bodies ...". As the parliament accepted the above conclusion, a draft law was drawn up to amend the Law on Parliamentary Elections. In doing so, it is proposed to annul Article 41.9 and to amend Article 44.6 so that the organization of meetings for presenting work reports before the nomination process begins should be open to any person. The draft also includes a provision that, from the start of the year of the regular elections as determined by Article 48.1 until the end of voting, and for by-elections or extraordinary elections from the date of announcement until the end of voting, it is prohibited for anyone to distribute items directly or through others to voters for the purpose of gaining votes; printed work reports are considered as such items and thus Article 41.9 is to be annulled. However, the working group has decided that electronic works reports are not included in the definition of distributed items specified in Article 48.1. Since there were no principal objections during the first discussion of the draft law, it was approved in the initial reading.

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The Government, Which Is About to Enter Into an Aircraft Fuel Supply Agreement, Is Being Demanded to Resign

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: news.mn

Citizens demanding the resignation of the government have been protesting for the second day at Sukhbaatar Square. These citizens are protesting against a draft agreement between the Mongolian Government and the Russian Government to supply aviation fuel to Mongolia, and are demanding that this agreement, which they believe could threaten the country's independence, not be made. "VIOLATES MONGOLIA'S NATIONAL INTERESTS"
Development economist Ts. Lut-Ochir:
- I view this agreement as a betrayal of Mongolia’s national interests. Why do I believe it is a betrayal? Because they are trying to conclude a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Union. If that happens, all domestic producers and service providers will be overwhelmed by foreign goods and products. Now, in addition, a very serious issue is being discussed. The Khushig Valley International Airport, which was built with a loan from the Japanese government and is Mongolia's only air gateway to foreign countries, is being given to a neighboring Russian company, with a supply agreement to last 20 years. This is a serious blow to Mongolia’s national interests. In two years, we will have our own oil refinery. We will be able to domestically produce aircraft fuel. Also, by processing our own coal, we will be able to produce AI-95, AI-98, and other petroleum products. So why are we making a 20-year agreement now? Why should we be energy dependent on Russia for 20 years? This does not serve Mongolia’s interests at all. "AGREEMENTS THAT VIOLATE NATIONAL INTERESTS AND INDEPENDENCE MUST BE STOPPED!"
Founder of the "Freedom Center" Sh. Oyunbat:
- We are all seeing it. The international airport in Mongolia, built with a Japanese loan, is still being paid for by Mongolians. Now they are planning to hand over the entire airport infrastructure to Russia for 20 years. This is unacceptable. If there is a dispute, they say it will be resolved in a Russian court. There is no arbitration court in Russia. Today, we see what is happening worldwide, we see today’s geopolitics. In Russia, it is not the rule of law that prevails, but the law of the jungle. When the world is unable to come to terms with Russia, it is nonsensical for Mongolians themselves to submit to its authority. Therefore, all agreements that threaten the country’s interests and independence must be stopped and annulled. We demand that the government, which is bringing in such agreements, resign.

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Reviewed Procedures for Issuing, Holding, and Safekeeping Passports

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

The staff at the Preventive and Educational Department of the Anti-Corruption Agency have reviewed and submitted recommendations regarding several regulations and procedures, such as the "Regulation for Issuing, Holding, and Safekeeping Ordinary National Passports," the "Technological Operational Instruction for Customs Control and Inspection of Goods and Vehicles in Customs Control Zones," the "Internal Regulation of the Sewing Workshop," the "Regulation for Monetary Savings of Center Employees and Officials," and the "Operational Regulation for the Use of the Paved Road for the Transportation of Mining Products on the Tavan Tolgoi-Gashuunsukhait Route." The review focused on identifying and amending, annulling, or making recommendations for regulations and decisions by government organizations and officials that create opportunities for corruption. As a result, 987 officials participated in an anti-corruption training last week. Additionally, during recent days, budget analyses were conducted in certain organizations as part of their mandate to identify and eliminate causes of corruption, stop acts of corruption, resolve its consequences, and assess transparency and openness. Specifically, the analysis covered the transparency, procurement activities, issuance of special permits, and budget spending of state organizations, including the Tuul River Basin Administration under the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Sukhbaatar District Health Center, Baganuur District Land Management Office, the Immigration and Citizenship Agency, the Capital City Court Enforcement Agency, open prisons affiliated with the General Court Enforcement Agency, the National Transport Center, the Ministry of Culture, Sport, Tourism, and Youth, and projects and programs for sustainable tourism development in Khuvsgul province.

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Golomt's D.Bayasgalan Appoints His Own Person T.Davaadalai as H.Nyambaatar's First Deputy and His Younger Brother T.Munkhdalai as Head of 'Ulaanbaatar Metro'

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: isee.mn

On October 15 of last year, the mayor of the city, H. Nyambaatar, appointed T. Davaadalai, who is considered to be associated with "Golomt's D. Bayasgalan," as his first deputy in charge of economic development and infrastructure. At that time, it was said, “Golomt’s D. Bayasgalan has placed his plenipotentiary representative (BET) in the capital.” Less than a month after the appointment of T. Davaadalai, his younger brother T. Munkhdalai was appointed as director of the project in charge of the Metro. T. Davaadalai is an engineer by profession, speaks Russian and English, and until 2022 served as director of the "Tavantolgoi Coal Logistics Center" project at Bod International LLC, and then from 2022-2024 was head of the R&D Center at Bod Group. However, even before a month passed since T. Davaadalai's appointment, his younger brother T. Munkhdalai was named as the head of the "Ulaanbaatar Metro" project. Bod Group is involved in every major project in the capital, such as the Booroljuut power plant, the redevelopment of Urt Tsagaan, and the Metro. It is unclear whether T. Munkhdalai's appointment was influenced by Golomt's D. Bayasgalan or his brother T. Davaadalai, but now both brothers hold important jobs and positions in the capital. D. Bayasgalan, in cooperation with the city, built the 600 MW Booroljuut power plant. Specifically, the city of Ulaanbaatar raised 500 billion MNT for the first time by issuing domestic bonds, of which 300 billion MNT were given to Bod Group to build the Booroljuut power plant. As a result, the first 150 MW capacity of the Booroljuut power plant project, which started in 2011, was put into operation last October. The station was connected to the central grid at 23:33 on December 26 last year, supplying 150 MW of electric power. A decision was made to redevelop a city property—the Urt Tsagaan trade and service center—tearing it down in January 2024 to build a park with underground parking. In this location, besides making a park, they are constructing a four-story building including a B1 level for services aimed at tourists. This is costing a total of 44 billion MNT. The tender for the design and planning work was announced in March 2024, with Bod Properties LLC being the selected contractor and signing a contract on August 23 last year. This company is a subsidiary of Bod Group and is owned by Golomt’s D. Bayasgalan. Thus Golomt’s D. Bayasgalan has started another business using city property. D. Bayasgalan has repeatedly been awarded large city and state projects as contractor or otherwise enabled his business with budget money. Mayor H. Nyambaatar’s investment of 300 billion from the city’s bonds in Golomt’s D. Bayasgalan’s Booroljuut power plant is just one example. Furthermore, when H. Battulga became President, he arranged for Bod Group to implement the construction of the Tavantolgoi–Zuunbayan railway line under an offtake agreement, which again shows D. Bayasgalan’s close ties to high-level state officials and his success in expanding his business and obtaining large, profitable projects. There is ample evidence of this. In short, Bod Group and Golomt’s D. Bayasgalan are involved in all the city’s work, and besides the above, they are also part of the metro project. The tender for the trial phase of the Metro has been announced with a target completion of 2030, and preliminary estimates set construction costs at 1.5 trillion MNT. Regarding funding for the metro project, estimated at USD 1.3 billion, proposals are being discussed with UK, French, and Italian government agencies to cover 85% through low-interest, long-term loans, as announced last month by the director of the Ulaanbaatar metro project, T. Munkhdalai.

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Ministers and Members of Parliament Prohibited from Distributing Printed Newspapers or Magazines as Work Reports Prior to Candidate Nomination in Election Year

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: isee.mn

During today's plenary session of the State Great Khural (Parliament) of Mongolia, amendments to the Law on the Parliamentary Election and the Law on the Judiciary were adopted, in connection with the State Constitutional Court's 2025 conclusions No. 02 and 03 being accepted by parliament. Members of parliament and working group leaders Ts. Sandag-Ochir, U. Shijir, and G. Uyankhishig provided information on what changes and amendments were made to these laws. With the amendments to the Law on Parliamentary Elections: From the start of the election year until the beginning of candidate nomination, members of parliament are prohibited from distributing printed newspapers, magazines, or reports under the guise of work reports. In other words, the provision that gave MPs an unfair advantage has been abolished, ensuring that all candidates start on an equal footing and have the same opportunities. During the period from the start of the election year until the nomination process, any individual or entity is allowed to organize meetings, discussions, or gatherings as long as these do not aim to solicit voters' support. Ts. Sandag-Ochir emphasized that there is still a need to amend laws that grant MPs advantages, violate human rights, or undermine equality in future electoral law amendments. Additionally, with changes to the Law on the Judiciary, the retirement age for judges, which was previously set at 55 by current law, will now be legislated as 60 years of age. U. Shijir, member of parliament, also noted, "There is a continued need to further amend election laws. For example, during elections, individuals are allowed to donate to candidates according to their beliefs. However, for-profit companies determining their political orientation is limited in scope."

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"K.Battulga Must Be Investigated by the Law and the Tögrog Nuur Deposit Must Be Returned to the State"

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: news.mn

Today, the "Mongol Yalna People's Movement" began a protest in front of the "Bayangol" hotel, demanding that Member of Parliament Kh.Battulga be investigated by the legal authorities over the sale of the Tögrog Nuur deposit to a foreign company for $250 million, and that the deposit be returned to the state, to the people. O.Otgon, coordinator of the "Mongol Yalna People's Movement," explained the reasoning for the protest. He said, "We are the members of the Mongol Yalna People’s Movement. For the past 5-6 years, we have supported Kh.Battulga. We defended him in every wrong, protected him from accusations regarding the railway and the industrial park, and supported him in every major mega project he was involved in. Now, it turns out this person sold the Tögrog Nuur deposit for $250 million. The head of the Government Secretariat presented 507 pages of evidence. The facts do not lie. Why are we outside the 'Bayangol' hotel today? Because this person does not come to parliament. We heard he stays here, but when we came, all the doors and entrances are locked and he won’t come out. What are our demands? Kh.Battulga, withdraw your parliamentary seat, go and be investigated, and clarify the truth. If you are found guilty, face justice and hand over both the $250 million and the Tögrog Nuur deposit back to the state. Show some personal ethics, Kh.Battulga—you talk a lot about 'Mongol Yalna' (Mongolia wins). Are you really trying to make Mongolia win, or some other country? We are saying that Mongolia is losing. This issue might even be related to national security. Kh.Battulga accuses others of being 'Chinese', but is it right that he goes to China and sells our land for billions? Is it right to keep selling our land? The Tögrog Nuur deposit is important because Mongolia faces major energy problems. The Tögrog Nuur deposit is located in Bayansoum, Tuv aimag, 130 km from Ulaanbaatar, and contains a coal reserve of three billion tons. Yet, this deposit has been sold for only $250 million. If Mongolia used this deposit wisely, it could generate 300 trillion tugriks in value. That’s why we are demanding an investigation. Kh.Battulga himself called for the previous president to be investigated, and that happened. That’s what people who truly want Mongolia to win do. While one minister publicizes information about a deposit with a three-billion-ton reserve, why is the Minister of Justice and Home Affairs O.Altangerel not forming a commission and initiating an investigation into this person? We will make our demands to Minister O.Altangerel and also to the Anti-Corruption Agency. This issue must not be forgotten. Until the investigation begins, we will continue our protest outside the Anti-Corruption Agency and the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs. Yesterday, the Minister of Justice talked about the Ukhaa Khudag deposit. Why doesn’t he talk about the Tögrog Nuur deposit as well? Speak about both. We are not defending J.Odjargal—he too should return a certain percentage to the state. We supported Kh.Battulga unwaveringly with all our might. For the past 6-7 years. But ever since he was a minister—in fact, starting from 2008—he began working to take over Tögrog Nuur for himself, using the "Kamex" company, and finally secured it for himself in 2016, before running for president in 2017. Everything has been done in a very nasty, systematic way. Meanwhile, what were we doing? We were being brainwashed by everything possible, like the shows "100 Great People" and "100 Important Subjects." Let's be honest about that. When we watched shows about him, with that music playing and when he cried, we cried too; that's how much we loved him. But it turns out he was a thief. He does not attend parliament. We hear even his mother scolds him, saying, "Go to your meeting," but it doesn’t help. All the doors are locked. We are now heading back to the State Palace.

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Question for the Parliament: Is it in Mongolia's National Interest or Moscow's Orders?!

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: news.mn

As a member of the State Great Khural, as the emissary of my people, I swear to prioritize the interests of all citizens and the nation, abide by and uphold the law, remain free from corruption and conflicts of interest, and perform my duties as a member with true integrity. If I violate this oath, I will bear legal responsibility. /Words of Oath of Members of Parliament/ The Parliament is the highest organ of state power. Legislative power is vested only in the State Great Khural. The Constitution sets out the rights and duties of Parliament in this manner. So, is the State Great Khural the highest governing body of Mongolia, or is it an organization operating under orders from Moscow? Soon, the entire nation will see and judge this for themselves. Several draft laws, submitted by the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Ts. Tuvaan, have brought Mongolia to a crossroads: will the country remain a democratic, independent nation, or will it become de jure dependent on Moscow? Essentially, the intergovernmental agreement between Mongolia and Russia on the supply of aircraft fuel is being criticized for trampling on Mongolia's national interest and being a coercive demand from Moscow. According to the agreement: - The competent authorities of both sides will establish a joint company to manage and operate the infrastructure of Mongolia's "Chinggis Khaan" International Airport complex. - The joint company will operate and manage the complex in order to ensure the continuous, stable, and unhindered supply of aircraft fuel, and to provide refueling services at the airport. - The supply of aircraft fuel for the joint company will be undertaken by an authorized Russian organization. - The sale of aircraft fuel at Chinggis Khaan Airport (including supply, storage, refueling, selling, delivery, and transportation) will be carried out by the joint company. - The Mongolian side will ensure that domestic law restrictions regulating the sale of petroleum products in Mongolia apply to the activities of the joint company. - The necessary permits, licenses, and documents needed by the Russian authorized organization to operate the complex will be issued. - To facilitate the management, operation, and development of the complex, Russian authorized organizations and their subcontractors' employees will have conditions allowing entry, exit, residence, and work in Mongolia. - Materials and equipment necessary for use and development of the complex will be allowed across the Mongolian-Russian border under simplified customs clearance. - Payments relating to investment activities, including compensation for expropriation of Russian investments, will be freely transferred from Mongolian territory with no hindrance. - The Mongolian side will make payments on time. - If, after signing this agreement, Mongolian law changes to increase taxes, tariffs, fees (including customs duties and other charges), or if quotas for foreign workers increase or decrease, or new such regulations are introduced, or if, after signing, any benefit or preference previously granted to the Russian authorized organization or the joint company are revoked, it will be considered that the conditions for the Russian party have worsened. - If a dispute is not settled within two months after its occurrence, at the request of either side, it will be referred to the International Commercial Arbitration Court at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation, according to its rules and procedures. - The agreement will be valid for 20 years from the date of diplomatic notification attesting that all domestic procedures have been completed. Even members of Parliament have begun to openly criticize these provisions for being detrimental to Mongolia's interests. In particular, making Mongolia's civil aviation freedom dependent on its northern neighbor is pointed out by many as a ruinous policy that could turn Mongolia into a 'restricted' state between superpowers. Such warnings are justified. The Mongolian-Russian joint UBTZ (railway society) has become one of the most backward organizations in the world in terms of development. While the world is competing in high-speed trains, Mongolia is still using twentieth-century steam locomotives. This is a bitter example that shows any joint undertaking with Russia does not move forward but regresses. Nevertheless, making an agreement in the aviation sector with "Rosneft", which is under international sanctions, is considered by some citizens as akin to a mouse seeking its own death by playing with a sleeping cat's tail. Successive Mongolian governments have always faced pressure from the two neighbors. The practice of using Mongolians to block their own policies by foreign orders continues to this day. Handlers serving foreign orders exist both inside and outside of the State Palace. Enduring such hardships and pressures is perhaps the greatest difficulty for a joint government. This is the great pain of a small country. Especially for landlocked Mongolia, subject to all kinds of pressure and blackmail from two great neighbors, this is understandable. Both neighbors have exhibited interest in pressuring every Mongolian government to decide in their favor. Causing delays in Mongolia’s export railways with Batttulga’s hand was likely an order from both Russia and China. The Constitutional authority to say no to such neighborly interests lies with the highest state body of Mongolia. That supreme organ is the State Great Khural. Thus, the conscience of the 126 MPs will decide Mongolia's security. In short, the fate of the nation is now in the hands of Parliament. Therefore, whether Mongolia’s national interest will come first, or Moscow’s orders, will be seen when this agreement is deliberated in Parliament. Politicians who outwardly shed crocodile tears for their homeland often press the button against their country in the end. Thus, whether they will go down in history as traitors or be remembered as national stewards depends on the members of Parliament themselves. One mustn’t forget history, but neither should we repeat it.

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Political Parties Are Responsible for Improving Citizens’ Electoral Education

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Head of the General Election Commission's Secretariat D. Bat-Erdene, Head of the Political Party Financing and Oversight Department N. Bulgamaa, and Head of the Information, Research, and Training Center T. Guenbaatar met with journalists from the “Electoral Education” Journalists' Club to provide information regarding the concept and implementation of the Political Parties Law. According to the law, political parties are required to submit their annual financial reports to the General Election Commission by February 10th each year. The financial reports of parties undergo a three-stage review process. The financial report, with an opinion from a private auditor, is reviewed by the General Election Commission and forwarded to the National Audit Office. After the National Audit Office’s opinion is issued, the state provides financial support to seven parties that received at least 1 percent or more of the total votes in the 2024 regular parliamentary elections. At least 20 percent of the state funding provided to a party is mandated to be used for supporting and training the political participation of social groups such as women, seniors, youth, and people with disabilities. At least 15 percent must go towards improving the political education of party members and citizens, and popularizing the values of democracy and human rights. In other words, if a party does not allocate a certain portion of its funding toward providing electoral education to its members, citizens, and social groups, supporting political participation, and promoting the values of human rights, its funding will be reduced according to legal regulations. This was explained during the meeting.

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Parliament "Protects" the Capital City's Decision to Increase Vehicle Taxes

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

A petition by citizen E. Batbayar to cancel the increase in transportation taxes in Ulaanbaatar garnered 33,200 signatures in eight days. In response, the State Great Khural (Parliament) established a working group to study the issue, provide feedback, and draw conclusions. However, the group replied that “there is no legal basis to annul the decision to increase taxes.” When approving Ulaanbaatar city’s 2025 budget, the Capital City Citizens’ Representatives Khural (NITKH) also passed a resolution updating the official tax percentages for vehicles and self-propelled machinery, as well as the usage fees for roads. As a result, city residents will begin paying vehicle taxes at three times the previous rate and road usage fees at five times the previous amount starting this year. In other words, the citizen filed a request to revoke these tax increases. This means they opposed the NITKH’s decision and appealed to Parliament. However, T. Aubakir, Member of Parliament and head of the working group, stated: “Parliament does not have the authority to annul or invalidate the decision of the NITKH. Legally and by law, it is not possible. Only in the event that the tax was illegally increased, or a procedural error was made during the passing of the resolution, could changes be made to the corresponding law. Increasing vehicle taxes is not an illegal action.” From his statement, it appears that the objections of over 33,000 citizens to the increases in official vehicle taxes and road usage fees will not be acknowledged, and Parliament will "protect" the NITKH’s decision. The implementation of the "D-parliament" system was intended to electronically receive and pass along citizens’ petitions and complaints to lawmakers for resolution. However, citizens have criticized the response that "we do not have the authority to annul the NITKH’s decision" after thousands of people submitted their opinions through the system. The public believes that if lawmakers truly cannot influence the decisions of local self-governing bodies, then petitions and complaints regarding such issues should not be accepted at all.

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The Government's Extraordinary Meeting Has Been Postponed Indefinitely

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: isee.mn

The government held an expanded meeting for the Khangai region in Arkhangai province on the 14th of this month. Also, according to the schedule, a meeting was held on Wednesday during which relevant decisions were made. Today, an extraordinary meeting was scheduled for 14:00, but according to the Government Secretariat’s Department of Media and Public Relations, it has been postponed indefinitely.

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Economy

Over 250 Domestic and International Organizations Participate in Mongolia Mining International Mining Expo

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: isee.mn

The 14th annual Mongolia Mining International Mining Expo will be held under the theme "Advanced Technology - Powerful Mine" at the Buyant-Ukhaa Sports Complex from April 17 to 19, 2025. Over 250 domestic and international organizations will participate in this exhibition. Attendees will include Mongolia's top suppliers, as well as representatives from more than 20 other countries, such as China, Canada, Australia, the USA, Russia, Turkey, and Germany. High-level B2B business meetings will be organized, where foreign investors will explore opportunities to invest in Mongolia's mining sector. During the three-day Mongolia Mining 2025 expo, suppliers of mining equipment, exploration and extraction companies, suppliers of raw materials for mining production, investors in mining projects, and financial institutions will present their products and services. There will also be professional seminars, conferences, and consultations in the sector where engineers, geologists, drilling, and blasting specialists will share knowledge and experience. Equipment and technology showcases will be held to present new innovations and solutions.

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Over 250 Organizations Participating in "Mongolian Mining" Expo

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The international "Mongolian Mining" exhibition is being held in Ulaanbaatar, with over 250 organizations participating. Among the participants are Mongolia’s leading suppliers, as well as representatives from more than 20 countries including China, Canada, Australia, the United States, Russia, Turkey, and Germany. Celebrating its 14th year, the exhibition is held under the motto "Advanced Technology – Powerful Mining". The event brings together suppliers of mining equipment and raw materials, exploration and extraction companies, as well as banks and financial institutions investing in mining projects. In addition to showcasing equipment such as excavators, wheel loaders, dump trucks, and drilling rigs from world-renowned brands like "Sany," "Tonly," and "Hyundai," there are also conferences and seminars, where engineers, geologists, and drilling and blasting specialists share their knowledge and experience. Foreign and domestic participants are able to meet, sign agreements, and establish business relationships during the event. The "Mongolian Mining" exhibition will continue at the Buyant-Ukhaa Sports Palace in Khan-Uul District until the 19th of this month.

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Mongolia's Coal Exports Face New Challenges!

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: news.mn

The fall in coal prices, which make up more than 70% of Mongolia's export income, has resulted in the risk that the state budget will not meet its planned revenue. Following this, Mongolia's coal exports have now faced new challenges. According to comments from the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Ts. Tuvaan, the main cause is the slowdowns at China's Ganqimaodu border point, where coal storage areas are at capacity, causing delays. Over 90% of the loading and unloading areas are full. When Mongolia raises the issue with the Chinese side, the response is now commonly: "There is no space to unload coal." The root cause is that buyers are reluctant to accept coal purchased at high prices when the price has now decreased, as it reduces their profits. Thus, for Mongolia, all that is left is to hope coal prices do not drop further and at least stabilize at the current level. When passing the 2025 budget law, parliament estimated the price of one ton of coal would be $105. However, the price has fallen to $80 per ton. Due to the tariff war, demand for steel in China has declined, which in turn has pushed down the price of coking coal. The most worrisome scenario is that the global uncertainty caused by this tariff war could persist for a long time. Therefore, there is doubt as to whether Mongolia will be able to export 83 million tons of coal this year. Recent months have seen coal sold through the exchange stuck at Ganqimaodu border, and as a result, Mongolia is now facing difficulties continuing to export additional coal, since logistics have stalled. Faced with this impasse, the government has submitted amendments to the Law on the Mining Products Exchange to parliament, which is now being discussed as a matter of urgency. According to government ministers, if the new law is passed, the strict pricing of coal sold through the exchange will be indexed, making it more flexible, but in reality, this means prices will fall further. On the other hand, unless the congestion at Ganqimaodu is resolved, it is difficult to see how exports could recover. According to the General Customs Office, in the first three months of this year, the volume of coal exports reached 15.8 million tons, which is 1.9 million tons less than the same period last year. Due to the global decline in coal prices, export revenue dropped by $934 million compared to the same period last year. Of this, $715 million was due to price effects, and $220 million due to lower export volume. Back in March, the government had already ratified agreements and related legislation on cooperation with China regarding the cross-border railway between Gashuunsukhait and Ganqimaodu, coal trade, and expansion of the Tavantolgoi coal mine’s capacity. When discussing this agreement, Minister Ts. Tuvaan stated, "At this critical time of risk, when coal prices are falling and revenues from coal are drying up, parliament is about to make a very important decision. Upon ratification, companies would be able to enter into direct contracts, creating an opportunity to sell an additional five million tons of coal to China Energy Corporation." However, reality has not improved: prices continue to fall and exports have slowed as April ends. Therefore, the government has now included a barter option in the new amendments to the Law on the Mining Products Exchange. According to Finance Minister B. Javkhlan, this is based on successful global practice. Many countries that have faced challenges like Mongolia have bartered their natural resources to implement major projects and achieve advanced development. Mongolia aims to adopt this proven approach. It is still not clear which mineral resources the government will barter, or which projects will be prioritized. First, the revised law must be passed, after which projects will be ranked and parliament members will give input. The first step is to create the proper legal environment. If barter is successful, the government believes it would avoid draining foreign currency reserves and keep the exchange rate stable. However, some parliament members have raised concerns that barter trade could result in selective sales and disadvantageous terms for Mongolia. Thus, for Mongolians, all that is left is to hope the tariff war does not cause even greater economic shock, that demand for steel increases in China, and that coal exports can resume unimpeded.

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Position: The Agreement on Supplying Aircraft Fuel is a Critical Issue

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: news.mn

At the meeting of the State Great Khural's Standing Committee on Budget this week, the draft agreement between the Government of Mongolia and the Government of the Russian Federation regarding the supply of aircraft fuel to Mongolia was discussed. The essence of the project is to create a joint company with Russia that would provide uninterrupted refueling services to aircraft at "Chinggis Khaan" International Airport. Until now, MIAT, the national airline, used to organize tenders and select companies to supply fuel, but after the ratification of this agreement, for the next 20 years, a joint Russian-Mongolian company will be responsible for the supply of aviation fuel, as stipulated in the draft. This has led to debate and discussions among the public. We are bringing together the positions of some members of parliament and political representatives on this issue. "THE AGREEMENT INCLUDES PROVISIONS THAT EXCLUDE THE APPLICATION OF MONGOLIAN LAW" MP B. Jargalan:
The provisions included in the agreement are all very serious. Most articles are favorable to the Russian side, highlighting their interests and imposing many obligations on our side. I believe the government has not done enough work on this. What does the government say about this? They say it only regulates the supply of aircraft fuel, and because this is a limited market, it is justified. However, in reality, there are 1 or 2 serious provisions that might cover not only aviation fuel but also all oil products such as diesel or gasoline.
For example, our side is obliged to ensure that the domestic legislation of Mongolia, which regulates the sale of petroleum products in the domestic market, will not apply to the activities of the joint venture. In other words, even though Mongolian law places certain restrictions to protect the domestic market, our side is agreeing not to enforce these laws in relation to the joint venture. "THIS CREATES RISKS OF MAKING THE AVIATION SECTOR DEPENDENT" MP O. Tsogtgerel:
The aircraft fuel supply agreement does not actually stipulate joint management or ownership of Chinggis Khaan Airport with the Russian side. However, this creates risks of making the aviation sector dependent. This agreement was not introduced to the Democratic Party's caucus and was directly passed to the standing committee. Therefore, the caucus took a three-day break until next Monday to discuss the issue. Their position will likely be announced on Monday. As an individual member, I have read the draft and will express my opinion.
This agreement seems to retreat from our previous and prospective policies of open economic growth and competition, where the interests of Mongolia should be prioritized. Including many risky provisions about a foreign state-owned company, not just any company, but one affecting Mongolia’s strategic enterprises such as airspace and the international airport, is a matter that must not be overlooked.
This important issue was only discussed in the standing committee, and after ratification, it will be submitted to the plenary session. Under the guise of fuel supply, it seems as if all management aspects are being handed over, creating a situation of dependency, which to me, does not serve Mongolia’s interests. "THERE IS NO NEED TO ESTABLISH AN AGREEMENT THAT RESOLVES DISPUTES THROUGH RUSSIAN ARBITRATION" MP P. Sainzorig:
Mongolia is already importing aircraft fuel from Russia. The issue is between two companies. Therefore, there is no need to make agreements about giving away the airport, stabilizing taxes, or resolving disputes through Russian arbitration. We should do fair and transparent business with our neighbors, both north and south.
If the joint company is given too much involvement in the management of Chinggis Khaan Airport, and considering the oil refinery being built with a concessional loan from the Indian government, there are many issues that must be carefully considered. Even if Mongolia owns 60%, we should not let disputes be solved through Russian arbitration. At the very least, we could agree to resolve disputes via the arbitration of a third country. "THE INTENT TO MANAGE THE AIRPORT'S INFRASTRUCTURE IS HIDDEN WITHIN THE FUEL SUPPLY TALK!" MP J. Zoljargal:
Within these talks to supply aircraft fuel, the idea to manage the airport's infrastructure is hidden. It's like someone offering to regularly deliver clean water to your house but insisting to come live and manage your home. It's not even comparable.
There’s a trend of sneaking management fees into contracts with foreigners in mining, industry, and services—this is tantamount to being robbed. Mongolians should manage our own affairs—we can learn and do it ourselves. "GIVING THE CHINGGIS KHAAN AIRPORT TO RUSSIA WOULD BE RIPPING OUT THE HEART OF MONGOLIA WHILE STILL ALIVE" Former Mayor of Ulaanbaatar, E. Bat-Uul:
If L. Gantumur and Ts. Tuvaan give the Chinggis Khaan Airport—which is the “living heart” of Mongolia, connecting it to the world—to Russia, it would be like ripping out Mongolia’s heart while it is still alive. Russian business disputes are not solved by arbitration—they are resolved with violence and killings. The Russian economy is mafia-like.

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Övörkhangai: The Price of Meat at the Food Market Ranges from 10,000 to 20,000 MNT per Kilogram

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: montsame.mn

At the central food market in Arvaikheer, the prices for meat and dairy products are as follows. Meat sellers say that customer purchases have dropped sharply, with instances where only a single whole side of meat is sold in a week. Central Market Prices: Goat meat: 10,000-14,000 MNT
Mutton: 14,000-15,000 MNT
Beef: 18,000-20,000 MNT
Horse meat: 12,000 MNT
Goat curd: 50,000 MNT
Horkhoi curd: 27,000 MNT
Milk curd: 40,000 MNT
Milk: 6,000 MNT
Yogurt: 6,000 MNT
Aarts (fermented curds): 5,000 MNT
Traditional Mongolian butter: 55,000 MNT
White cream: 40,000 MNT
Yak fat: 15,000 MNT

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“Top-100” Enterprises to Be Supported and Collaborate in the Bond Market

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

The Mongolian Stock Exchange reported the day before yesterday that it had started the primary market trading of short- and medium-term government securities. Specifically, for the first time in eight years, the government issued bonds to the domestic market. Yesterday, the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Mongolia, the Financial Regulatory Commission, and the Association of Securities Dealers of Mongolia jointly organized the "Bond Forum-2025" event. The main goal is to promote the importance of the bond market, increase the activity and participation of citizens, the public, and both foreign and domestic investors, and to create conditions for public and private sector enterprises to raise financing by providing them with freedom and opportunities in this market. Currently, a total of 181 companies have raised 8.8 trillion MNT from bond sources through both exchange and over-the-counter markets. Specifically, 27 enterprises traded bonds through the exchange, raising 4.5 trillion MNT, while 154 enterprises issued securities in the over-the-counter market, raising 4.3 trillion MNT in financing. Officials mentioned during the event that they are focusing on expanding and supporting the bond market and implementing open and flexible policies. The Financial Regulatory Commission is pursuing a policy of diversifying bond names and types—such as climate, social, gender, and sustainable development bonds—to expand the market. Chairman T. Jambajamts of the Commission highlighted, “Raising funds through the bond market is not only significant for the economy but also provides many long-term advantages for companies.” The National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Mongolia, the Financial Regulatory Commission, and the Association of Securities Dealers stated that they will focus on supporting "Top-100" enterprises in the bond market and provide favorable conditions for these companies to raise financial resources. As a start, representatives of these organizations signed a memorandum of cooperation to provide incentives and support for the "Top-100" enterprises to publicly offer and issue securities on the capital market yesterday.

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Financial Regulatory Commission Reduces Administrative Acts from 79 to 35

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Speaker of the State Great Khural D. Amarbayasgalan and the advisory council under the Speaker worked at the Financial Regulatory Commission today. During the autumn session of Parliament, the Chairman and non-staff members of the Financial Regulatory Commission were appointed, and Parliament gave specific instructions. In connection with decisions to reduce interest rates on consumer loans, they familiarized themselves with the measures the Commission is taking in the financial sector. Chairman of the Financial Regulatory Commission T. Jambajamts reported that their organization has reduced the number of administrative regulatory acts from 79 to 35, clarifying that this alleviates burdens that rules and standards previously placed on businesses and citizens. Furthermore, the Financial Regulatory Commission grants 33 special permits and 26 general permits. Amendments have been proposed to the Law on the Regulatory Sector to reduce the number of permits, suggesting to bring special permits down to 30 and general permits to 15—this proposal has been submitted to the Cabinet Secretariat. There are 573 non-bank financial institutions currently operating in Mongolia, serving 2.3 million borrowers. Research shows that 75% of these borrowers use online lending services. It was indicated by Chairman T. Jambajamts that, over the past period, 77 non-bank financial institutions borrowed 622 billion tugriks in loans from commercial banks. This is one of the main reasons for the high consumer loan interest rates at non-bank financial institutions. Therefore, on March 20 of this year, the Financial Regulatory Commission prohibited non-bank financial institutions from borrowing from commercial banks and opened opportunities for them to raise funds from foreign countries. Also, the Commission has tightened the debt-to-income ratio for loans provided by these institutions to 60:40. Additionally, all individuals and legal entities providing monetary loans are now required to be officially registered, and the monthly interest rate cap has been set at 4.5%, according to the press release from the State Great Khural's Media Department.

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BUDGET: The Government Persists, Parliament Grows Anxious!

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: news.mn

For some time now, some economists and researchers have criticized that the Government of Mongolia and the members of the State Great Khural (Parliament) have not been able to properly plan the state budget in recent years. It would not be an exaggeration to say that a precedent has been set where the budget approved in autumn is revised in the spring. In some cases, the budget has been amended two or even three times in a single year. Frequent revisions and amendments to the budget are certainly not a good sign. The real issue is that the government is unable to plan the nation's budget in coordination with economic conditions, anticipated income and expenditure, and international geopolitical factors, even for just one year, let alone the long term. The 2025 budget process was problematic from the start. The budget submitted by the government and approved by parliament was met with a presidential veto. As a result, the government had to pretend to reduce expenditures and resubmit it to parliament for another review and approval. Passing a balanced budget under the new 126-member parliament, as per the constitution, was touted as a demonstration of a healthy debate and the fulfillment of the principles of representation. When parliament approved the 2025 budget law on a second discussion, the balanced income, including aid, was set at 33.5 trillion MNT or 35.2% of GDP, with total expenditure and net borrowed funds also at 33.5 trillion MNT (35.2% of GDP). The Ministry of Finance reported that the consolidated budget balance was no longer in deficit, and that the basic balance would yield a surplus of 3.3% of GDP. As such, this was celebrated as a significant historical event: a balanced budget for 2025 passed through a convoluted process. But those who celebrated have now begun to backpedal. Since the opening of the parliament's spring session on March 17, there has been a month-long debate on whether the budget should be revised again. The actual budget revenue since the start of the year has lagged behind projections made when the budget was submitted and approved late last year. Mongolia's mining sector, which heavily influences export revenue—particularly coal exports—was budgeted at USD 105 per ton. However, that price has dropped by 30–40% to USD 70–80 per ton. This means budget revenue is significantly short. A few days ago, the National Statistics Office reported that in the first quarter of 2025, coal exports amounted to 17.5 million tons, a 3.3% decrease compared to the same period last year. Falling coal prices have negatively impacted trading on the mining products exchange. According to the National Statistics Office's report, total industrial product sales in the first quarter of 2025 reached 11.2 trillion MNT, a decrease of 1.1 trillion MNT or 9.3% year-on-year. The main factor was a 1.5 trillion MNT decrease in mining and extraction sector sales. Finance Minister B. Javkhlan has consistently maintained that there is no necessity to revise this year's budget. For example, during yesterday's parliamentary session, MP B. Jargalan cited the exchange rates (USD at 3560 MNT, Euro at 4070 MNT, Yuan at 489 MNT) and a first-quarter budget deficit of 1.2 trillion MNT. He pointed out that the coal price, since the budget was discussed, has dropped by 30–40%. Despite budgeting coal at USD 105 per ton with claims of stable prices and multiple buyers, today the reality is different: prices have dropped and currency exchange rates are chaotic. He argued that ordinary citizens and businesses are bearing the brunt of these problems. He also raised concerns about the government's attempts to carry on without revising the budget, considering bartering projects (such as the cable-stayed bridge) using coal, copper, and other raw materials instead of generating foreign currency. He insisted the government should face reality, possibly revising the budget or shelving certain mega projects. In response, Finance Minister B. Javkhlan argued, "If revising the budget increased profits, coal prices, and exchange trading, we could do it every day. A revision isn't something to do suddenly. The Budget Law specifies under what conditions it can be done. Whether amended or not, this year's budget was passed without a deficit. That is, we will only spend as much as we earn. In the future, the budget will be more aligned with the economy, with more restrained numbers and higher growth. The key is figuring out how to put our wealth into circulation. Besides the budget, what other opportunities exist to create wealth? International practice among resource-rich countries is like this; we should apply it here. If we just get stuck on the budget, economic growth meant to benefit every citizen will only exist on paper." WHEN SHOULD THE BUDGET BE REVISED? In some sense, the Finance Minister is correct in saying that the conditions for a budget revision do not exist. The Budget Law of Mongolia stipulates the cases when a revision can be submitted to Parliament: 34.1. The government shall submit a budget amendment to the State Great Khural if:
34.1.1. The conditions for budget stability, as per law, are violated;
34.1.2. Due to unforeseeable circumstances, budget revenue declines, expenditure rises, and the consolidated budget deficit exceeds 3% of GDP;
34.1.3. Grounds under Article 29.7 arise, changing the cost of approved programs, projects, or measures;
34.1.4. Budget arrangements are made between main budget administrators;
34.1.5. The government lacks sufficient resources under guaranteed obligations as required by law or contract.
In essence, the only reason for not revising the budget now is that the deficit has not exceeded 3% of GDP due to unforeseen circumstances. However, it is possible to use the law as a shield or make arbitrary policy decisions above the law, but such double standards should not be set. The public sees that this is how officials have approached issues for a long time. There have been many cases where rushing under the guise of emergency procedure has led to problems. Recently, members of Parliament and the government have been saying things like “Face the truth. Don’t avoid reality. The truth has caught up to us.” In the end, there are now discussions about holding government members accountable, but members of Parliament who simply pressed the button to approve the proposals submitted by the government are also responsible. The saying “You get the budget according to the parliament you have” is not just words. If parliament does not want to be merely an appendage of the government legal department, it must monitor and enforce the implementation of the laws it passes. In any case, time will tell when either the government that submitted the budget or the parliament that passed the law will be caught in the many definitions of "truth." More important than who emerges unscathed is now to prevent the economy from collapsing.

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Special Purpose Vehicles are Exempt from Customs Duty

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

Did you know that vehicles specially made for people with disabilities are completely exempt from customs duty upon import? The General Department of Customs has introduced this legal provision. Specifically, the Law on Customs Tariffs and Customs Duties stipulates that cars designed to board and disembark people with disabilities, especially wheelchair users, or cars that can be driven by the disabled person themselves, including manually operated or controlled vehicles, can be imported without customs duty. However, it is important to note that each person can only take advantage of this exemption once. According to the Customs Department, vehicles imported by citizens who meet the following requirements are exempt from tax. To qualify, the necessary documents include a vehicle's technical certificate, invoice, packaging list, customs inspector's examination report, and a special ID card for people with disabilities. These must be submitted for the tax exemption or reduction. This special exemption from customs and VAT was designed to improve the living conditions of people with disabilities and to support their active movement, thus aligning with their rights and interests.

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SKYtel and Shunkhlai Group Begin a New Era in Business Together

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: ikon.mn

From March 18, 2025, “Shunkhlai Holding” has acquired 100% of the shares in Skytel LLC, making Skytel LLC a full member of the Shunkhlai Group. Skytel LLC, which was established in 1999 as a joint investment between Mongolia and South Korea, had its shares acquired in 2010 by the Mongolian partners “Shunkhlai Holding” and “Altai Holding,” becoming a national operator company with investment from one of Mongolia’s leading groups. Starting from 2025, Skytel LLC is joining the Shunkhlai Group and ushering in a new era in business. We believe this change will create new opportunities in our relationship with customers, partners, and stakeholders by fostering long-term growth, sustainable development, strategic synergy, and flexibility in service. For Skytel Group, over its 25-year history: - In 1999, it was established after receiving its license to provide mobile communication services. - In 2010, it became a company with 100% Mongolian investment. - In 2012, it expanded its operations and launched triple services combining IPTV, high-speed internet, and landline telephone services. - In 2017, it introduced fourth generation 4G LTE technology for mobile communication. - In 2023, SkyGO service was renewed and transitioned to the next-generation GO+ technology. - In 2024, nationwide 4G LTE network coverage was achieved. - In 2025, Skytel LLC marks its 26th anniversary by beginning a new era. We sincerely thank our valued customers, employees of all generations, partners, and investors who have placed their trust in us and grown together with us. SKYtel—Brightening the Future Notice: Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social and Web pages) are strictly prohibited from fully or partially copying and using our information in any form, except by agreement and with appropriate source attribution (ikon.mn).

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"There is no other way but to buy cashmere domestically"

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: news.mn

Parliament Speaker D. Amarbayasgalan: - We are discussing the proposal to submit a request to the Constitutional Court. Member of Parliament L. Soronzonbold will read and introduce the opinion of the Standing Committee on Legal Affairs. Member L. Soronzonbold: - MP Kh. Temuujin submitted to the Speaker of the Parliament a proposal to submit a request from Parliament to the Constitutional Court. The Standing Committee on Legal Affairs discussed this proposal in meetings held in accordance with Article 88.1 of the Law on Parliamentary Procedure. 80% of the members attending the Standing Committee meeting supported the proposal to submit the request to the Constitutional Court on behalf of the Parliament. Therefore, we ask parliamentary members to discuss the recommendation of the Standing Committee. Members are now asking questions and receiving answers regarding the committee's conclusion. MP B. Purevdorj: – I support the initiative put forward by MP Kh. Temuujin. Also, I would like to speak a few words about cashmere. The Chinese take cashmere to Hebei province, where people even comb it at home. They then market this cashmere as Mongolian cashmere when exporting to Italy. Some of it gets mixed with silk to create different products. During Minister J. Bat-Erdene's time, a project to export combed cashmere was initiated. However, parliament kept postponing it every year. In 2020, only 40 tons of cashmere were exported to Italy, but as this parliamentary resolution was implemented, the exports increased to about 1,000 tons. At present, due to trade tariffs, China is not buying cashmere. This means that there is no money coming from China. Therefore, national producers bought cashmere from the eastern provinces at a price 10,000 MNT lower than last year. Now, manufacturers have no funds left to buy cashmere from the western provinces. There is no other choice but to buy cashmere domestically. The price of cashmere did not fall because of combing projects, but because of the Chinese side. So herders need to be a little patient. Although Mongolia supplies 50% of the world’s cashmere, we still cannot set the price ourselves, but we will change this situation moving forward. Parliament Speaker D. Amarbayasgalan: - We will continue the first discussion of the amendments to the Law on Parliamentary Elections of Mongolia. Members have finished asking questions and receiving answers regarding the Standing Committee's opinion. Therefore, a final vote is being held to pass the law. The law was finally passed with 71.1% of the votes of the participating members. The next issue to be discussed is the amendment to the Law on Courts of Mongolia. Members have finished questions and answers on the Standing Committee's opinion. The Standing Committee has proposed to proceed from the first discussion to the final adoption of the amendments. Accordingly, a vote is held on the proposal. The proposal was supported by 60 members or 60%. Therefore, a final vote is being held to pass the amendments to the Law on Courts of Mongolia. In total, 70 members supported it. The bill was finally passed with the support of 76.3% of members.

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Diplomacy

"We cannot hand over our only route to the world to a single country"

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: news.mn

We interviewed Member of Parliament O. Amgalanbaatar about current issues. Member of Parliament O. Amgalanbaatar: - Firstly, the Democratic Party (DP) has not submitted any draft laws. The issues that have arisen in society, such as those regarding fuel, stock market laws, and the free trade agreement, are being proposed by the government itself. There is nothing that the DP has put forward. In fact, the DP parliamentary caucus should have discussed these issues at the political council, but they have not been discussed at all. Now, it seems the caucus is trying to take a break and discuss this issue later. Because these drafts fall under the scope of DP members and ministers within the government, it appears as if the DP is involved. However, within the caucus, members are expressing their opposition. For example, in my case, I am against the establishment of a joint company with Russia. What precedent is there for handing over our only international gateway to one country? Regarding the coal theft, all Mongolians were equally appalled and disgusted. Now, they are trying to submit a very similar arrangement to Parliament, which is simply unacceptable. What do the people want? What should the government be like? It should be as lean as possible, with fewer leaders. I am considering asking the Speaker of Parliament to conduct an inquiry. Mongolia counts its livestock once a year, right? Similarly, let us count our leaders. The number of officials has become excessive. For example, there are highly paid managers with vague titles like "productivity" and "oversight". At the very least, if appointments are being made, they should be reviewed by the political council and the caucus, to determine what work will be done and what results are expected. However, everything has simply been done based on collusion. If there are any principles, the appointments should go through the party first. However, these appointments have become schemes of a few people. I want to state that the DP caucus has not made any decisions regarding these matters.

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs: It is true that Mongolian citizen Ts. Tegshee, who resides permanently in Russia, has been arrested

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: ikon.mn

TMG news: The independent Russian news outlet "Mediazona," known for its opposition voice, recently reported that Ts. Tegshee, a singer at the Tuva Philharmonic who was born in Mongolia, was arrested in Moscow on espionage charges. When inquired about this matter, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia clarified, "Ts. Tegshee is a citizen of Mongolia who resides permanently in Russia. We have received official information about him through official channels. His arrest is confirmed. We have contacted his family and provided them with information. At this time, we cannot give further details to the media." A summary of the report on the Mediazona site states: "31-year-old Ts. Tegshee is being held in the high-security Lefortovo prison, but official information about the case has not yet been made public. Under Russian law, espionage cases apply only to foreign nationals, and it is believed that Ts. Tegshee is likely a Mongolian citizen. According to information from the 'Tuva Cultural Heritage' page under the Ministry of Culture of Tuva, Tegshee was born and raised in a Mongolian herder family, enrolled in the Arts College in Kyzyl, Tuva in 2010, and has worked as a soloist at the Tuva State Philharmonic since 2018. He is a well-respected figure in Tuva's arts scene and has over 14,000 followers on his Instagram account. Tegshee's social media accounts have not been updated since January 25. However, his wife, Kuular, has denied his arrest, explaining that he 'went to visit his parents, where there is no internet connection.'" Notice: Media organizations (TV, radio, social, and web pages) are prohibited from fully or partially using our information in any form unless agreed upon, and must cite the source (ikon.mn) when permission is granted.

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A Memorandum of Cooperation Was Signed

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: news.mn

Within the framework of the 2024-2028 Action Plan of the Government of Mongolia to improve the inspection system and to develop a comprehensive international evaluation system (DME - Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation), as well as to enhance the evaluation of policy document implementation, the Government Monitoring Agency of Mongolia has been collaborating with the Mongolian Evaluation Association and Germany’s Development Evaluation Organization. An official memorandum of cooperation has been signed to confirm that the Government Monitoring Agency, together with the Mongolian Evaluation Association and Germany’s Development Evaluation Institute (DEval), will establish the National Evaluation Capacity Index (INCE), implement the Monitoring and Evaluation System Analysis (MESA) with the support of the World Bank’s Global Evaluation Initiative (GEI), expand international cooperation in monitoring and evaluation, build the capacity of civil servants, and collaborate further in the evaluation of development policies. Present at the signing of the memorandum were Mr. Ch. Önörbayar, Head of the Government Monitoring Agency; Ms. D. Üürintuya, Head of the Evaluation and Monitoring Department; Ms. G. Bayarmaa, Senior Referent of the Evaluation and Monitoring Department; Ms. G. Uugantsetseg, Chairwoman of the Board of the Mongolian Evaluation Association NGO; Ms. Ö. Erdenechimeg, founder and board member of the Mongolian Evaluation Association; and Ms. B. Darinchuluun, board member of the Mongolian Evaluation Association, along with other officials. Mr. Ch. Önörbayar, head of the Government Monitoring Agency, stated that this cooperation is of fundamental importance as it will bring Mongolia’s development policy evaluation to an international level, establish the evaluation capacity index, introduce evaluation methodology, experience and capacity levels, implement international evaluation methods, build the capacity of civil servants, and foster collaboration with international organizations.

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Building a Community of Shared Destiny with Neighboring Countries

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: news.mn

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Mongolia, Shen Minzhuan In the flourishing spring season, China organized a conference on relations with neighboring countries under the auspices of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). During the meeting, President Xi Jinping emphasized focusing on building a community of shared destiny with neighboring countries and striving to create new conditions and progress in the work with neighbors, sending a strong signal that China, as always, attaches importance to and supports its neighboring countries. Shortly after the meeting, President Xi Jinping conducted state visits to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia, fully demonstrating China's unwavering determination to build a better future together with neighboring countries, guided by the nation’s top-level diplomacy. Neighboring countries are a crucial foundation for China's development and prosperity, the core for safeguarding national security, the top priority in China's foreign policy strategy, and the key to advancing the construction of a community of shared destiny for all humanity. Under the strategic leadership of President Xi Jinping, China steadfastly adheres to the ideas of friendship, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness in its relations with neighbors and upholds the principle of making neighbors partners. The aim is to bring development opportunities to neighboring countries through China’s own growth and to ensure stability and clarity in the region. This year marks the 10th anniversary since President Xi Jinping put forward the initiative to build an Asian community of shared destiny. China has reached a general consensus with 17 neighboring countries on establishing such a community and has signed Belt and Road Initiative cooperation agreements with 25 neighboring countries, becoming the largest trading partner for 18 of its neighbors. Over the past five years, ASEAN, as a community of growing small and medium countries neighboring China, has remained China's largest trading partner. China has prioritized trial implementation of the three major global initiatives with its neighbors, and Chinese approaches and philosophies have left deep impressions on the hearts of neighboring nations. This year also marks the “Year of China” for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the 70th anniversary of the Asia-Africa Bandung Conference. Together with its neighbors, China has established the SCO, China-ASEAN cooperation, and the China-Central Asia mechanism as important platforms for uniting and empowering the Global South, significantly increasing the voice and influence of developing countries on the international stage. This autumn, China will host the SCO summit in Tianjin, aiming to reinvigorate the SCO from China and to further advance the construction of a closely-knit SCO community of shared destiny. Since I arrived in Mongolia, many Mongolian friends have spoken to me about President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Mongolia in 2014, where he invited Mongolia to board China’s development express train and cited the proverb, “A single flower does not make spring, but when every flower blooms, spring comes.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Mongolia wrote a new chapter in mutual assistance, with the “Tea for Sheep” exchange, and after the pandemic, bilateral trade grew rapidly in double digits, with China’s contribution to Mongolia’s economic growth reaching 60%. All this is a vivid illustration of China’s constant companionship and shared destiny with its neighbors. Coinciding with President Xi Jinping’s visits to three ASEAN countries, Luo Zhanjiang, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, also visited Mongolia, further proving that China gives the highest priority to its relations with neighboring countries. Many Mongolian Members of Parliament have commented on the recent conference on China’s neighborhood diplomacy and believe that, amid current international tensions, China’s deepening relations with its neighbors will bring positive energy and fresh impetus to regional peace, stability, and development. China’s relations with its neighboring countries are at their most favorable in recent history and have entered an important phase where developments in the region and global changes deeply intertwine. President Xi Jinping has emphasized, “When Asia develops, the world prospers.” China will continue to uphold with Mongolia and other neighbors the fundamental principles of peace, cooperation, openness, and inclusiveness as Asian values, focus on high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, continuously write new chapters in the community of shared destiny, jointly oppose the concept of “might makes right,” and safeguard international justice and equality. I firmly believe that the 21st century will be the Asian century and that the future of the community of shared destiny for all humanity will be even brighter.

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Online Meeting Held with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, L. Munkhtushig, held an online meeting with Sharifzoda Farrukh Khomidin, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan. The parties expressed satisfaction that the traditional friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries have developed steadily over the past 30 years and that high-level dialogues are becoming more active. They also agreed to further enhance cooperation in the fields of trade, economy, agriculture, culture, and tourism, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Infrastructure

Construction of the Cross-Border Railway Facility at Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod Port to Begin Next Month

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

The Minister of Road and Transport, B. Delgersaikhan, met with the Chinese Ambassador to Mongolia, Shen Minzhuan, at the State Palace. At the start of the meeting, both parties expressed satisfaction with the recent developments in the transport sector between the two countries and exchanged updates and shared information on ongoing events. During this meeting, they discussed preparations for the groundbreaking ceremony to commence the construction of the cross-border railway facility at the Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod port. The Minister of Road and Transport provided information on the arrangements being made by the Mongolian side for this ceremonial opening. He further emphasized that Mongolia attaches great importance to this major event and is preparing for the participation of the Prime Minister, relevant ministers, and other high-ranking officials, urging the Chinese side to also ensure the involvement of appropriate officials from their side and requested support from the Ambassador in this regard. The Ambassador, for his part, assured that he would promptly pass on Mongolia’s suggestions and information to relevant Chinese organizations, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Development and Reform Commission, and would support this process. He further noted that China, at a time when the global trade and economic environment faces instability and uncertainty, is focusing on further enhancing and expanding relations and cooperation with neighboring countries. He highlighted that this policy direction is fully aligned with the relationship being developed with Mongolia. Both sides agreed to exchange updates regularly regarding preparations for the groundbreaking ceremony, which is scheduled for next month to commence construction of the cross-border railway facility at the Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod port, and, if necessary, to meet in person for decision-making.

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The Risk of Chasing Two Rabbits: The Projects for the New Kharkhorum and Khunnu Cities Initiated by the President and Prime Minister Pose Significant Risks

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: isee.mn

There is data showing that around 1.7 million people, or half of Mongolia’s total population, live and work in the capital, Ulaanbaatar. One way to reduce this high concentration and relieve congestion is to develop new cities, not limit but rather expand development. Since there are no other centralized cities apart from Ulaanbaatar, people are densely packed in the valley between four mountains. Therefore, both the President and the Prime Minister have launched new city initiatives. - President Khurelsukh wants to advance the "New Kharkhorum" project, while Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene is pushing for the "Khunnu City" project. Specifically, President Khurelsukh issued a decree on the 111th anniversary of Mongolia's independence restoration in 2022 to rebuild the ancient capital of Kharkhorum. Subsequently, the Government adopted a draft resolution to establish a city in the Orkhon Valley, thereby implementing a major project to revive Kharkhorum as a new development center for Mongolia. The estimated total investment required for New Kharkhorum is $26.5 billion. The government has allocated 30 billion MNT in 2024 and 30.8 billion MNT in 2025 for research, economic feasibility studies, and designs. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene and Ulaanbaatar Mayor Kh. Nyambaatar are advancing the New Zuunmod or Khunnu City project, intended for 31,000 hectares in Sergelen and Altanbulag districts of Tuv aimag, southwest of Bogd Khan Mountain. The plan is for the government ministries and agencies to relocate there by 2040. The legal framework for New Zuunmod city was approved, and it was designated as a satellite city of Ulaanbaatar of strategic importance. It was also decided that New Zuunmod city would be called Khunnu City. The preliminary estimate for the Khunnu City project is around 500 billion MNT, with budget allocations of 33 billion MNT in 2022 and 98.2 billion MNT in 2025. - The Meaning of the Proverb: "He who chases two rabbits ends up empty-handed" — Engineers say that establishing new cities to reduce air, water, and soil pollution caused by Ulaanbaatar's overpopulation, boost economic development in line with sustainable development goals, and foster the development of satellite and other cities is a sound strategy. With new cities, the migration to Ulaanbaatar will decrease and overpopulation will ease. This also reduces the negative health impacts of urbanization and improves access to health services and infrastructure quality. Both mega-projects are considered critical for the country’s expansion, not limitation, of development. However, the Mongolian proverb "He who chases two rabbits ends up empty-handed" raises the risk that having the nation's top leaders push forward two separate major city projects could result in neither being successfully realized. The bitter lesson of the Maidar City project serves as a warning—building a new city is not easy, though other countries have succeeded in doing so. For example, Kazakhstan moved its capital from Almaty to Akmola in 1997, and the next year, President Nazarbayev renamed it Astana. In just 20 years, Astana developed into a well-planned city of 797 square kilometers, admired internationally for its urban planning and green areas. Today, Astana, now the capital, is Kazakhstan's second most developed city. Mongolia can also build a new city by following such examples. However, with the President and Prime Minister each pushing separate, large-scale projects, both might end up like the failed Maidar City if resources and decisions are divided.

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538 Billion MNT Allocated from This Year's City Budget for the Construction of the Tuul Expressway

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The expressway over the Tuul River will run for a total of 32 kilometers with six lanes, connecting the eastern part of the city—Bayanzurkh checkpoint and the Ulaanbaatar-Nalaikh highway—to the western part of the city, up to the safety roundabout leading to the western provinces. Initially, the project for a four-lane, 32 km expressway had an estimated total budget of 916 billion MNT, according to the preliminary assessment. During the regular meeting of the Government of Mongolia, it was decided to make the "Tuul Expressway" six lanes wide, and to construct bridge structures for the part passing through the central urban area. As a result of these decisions, the total project budget increased to 1.9 trillion MNT. As the project was coordinated with other major road projects and measures in Ulaanbaatar, the length of the bridge structures that connect with the First Ring Road had to be extended. Thus, the bridge length increased from 6,771 meters to 9,878 meters. In addition, according to Order No. A/243 by the Minister of Roads and Transport, updated wage rates for workers and standard hourly rates for machinery use were approved, and these changes were reflected in the project's feasibility study and preliminary designs, thus updating the budget calculations. Subsequently, after making changes to the design of the "Tuul Expressway" project and having it reviewed and verified by experts from the Construction Development Center, the total estimated project cost increased to 2.3 trillion MNT. For 2025, 538.6 billion MNT will be financed from the city budget as approved. According to the Press Department of the Mayor's Office, the Tuul Expressway is expected to significantly reduce the load on the city's central roads, increase road traffic efficiency, support economic growth, save citizens' time, and aid in the development of modern-standard road networks. Notice: Media organizations (TV, Radio, Social Media, and websites) are prohibited from using our information in whole or in part in any form, except with agreement and only by crediting the source (ikon.mn).

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“10 buses are being purchased for about over three billion tugriks. Final amount will be determined after taxes are added”

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: ikon.mn

It was reported that Ulaanbaatar city is purchasing 10 buses from the factory of China's "Yutong Bus" company. To find out how much these buses are being purchased for, we contacted Z. Tseveendorj, the head of the Administration and Management Division at the Public Transport Policy Department. He stated, "From the revenues concentrated in the Public Transport Development Fund, 10 buses are being bought from the Yutong Bus factory for about over three billion tugriks in total. The final amount will be determined once taxes are added." Regarding the Public Transport Development Fund (PTDF), he said, "In 2023, the payments for 600 buses purchased with state and city budget funds, the depreciation fees, specific payments for 400 buses from 2009, as well as income from advertisements on public transport buses are being consolidated into the PTDF. From the revenue concentrated in this fund, in 2024 we purchased 31 articulated buses from the Yutong Bus factory and started operating them. This year, we are preparing to purchase 10 more buses to operate on suburban routes, such as Bagakhangai, Baganuur districts, and the route to 'Chinggis Khaan' International Airport. In addition to renewing the public transport fleet, the fund's resources are legally regulated to be spent on developing lanes and stops for public transport, organizing training for sector employees, and holding academic conferences." Although the Public Transport Development Fund was established in 2015, due to the lack of legal regulation for managing its funds, it was previously impossible to use the collected revenues. He explained that with the passing of the 2013 law 'On Reducing Traffic Congestion in Ulaanbaatar City and Improving Ger Area Housing,' it became possible to utilize the fund's resources. Notice: Media organizations (TV, Radio, Social and Web pages) are strictly prohibited from fully or partially using our information in any form, unless an agreement is made and the original source (ikon.mn) is referenced.

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Ulaanbaatar City Decides to Purchase 10 More Buses from China's 'Yutong Bus' Company

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Last year, Ulaanbaatar City purchased 600 large buses manufactured by China's 'Yutong Bus' company for 165.5 billion tugriks, and 31 articulated high-capacity buses for more than 20 billion tugriks. As of today, an average of over 1,200 buses are operating daily in the city’s public transport system. Now, under an order from the Mayor of the Capital, it has been decided to purchase an additional 10 buses. According to the press department of the Capital City Governor’s Office, they will buy 10 buses of the ZK6117H model, also made by the Chinese 'Yutong Bus' company, to operate on routes around the city. Specifically, these 10 high-capacity buses will be used for public transport services to Chinggis Khaan International Airport, Baganuur, and Bagakhangai districts. The new ZK6117H model buses each have 45 seats and are equipped with Euro-5 engines. They have ventilation systems and surveillance cameras that are suitable for Mongolia’s climate. Information regarding the purchase price of these buses will be clarified and provided later. Notice: Media organizations (TV, Radio, Social Media, and Web pages) are prohibited from using our information fully or partially in any form unless permission is granted. Usage is only allowed by referring to the original source (ikon.mn) with prior agreement.

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The Burnt Shopping Center Will Be Rebuilt Through a Public-Private Partnership

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: news.mn

On the evening of April 14, a fire broke out at the "Shine Murun" shopping center in Khuvsgul province. Emergency responders worked for five hours to contain the spread of the fire, but over 260 citizens suffered losses as a result. The shopping center was 100% locally owned, and the provincial government has announced that a new shopping center will be built on the same site through a public-private partnership, with plans to put it into operation by October. According to information from the National Emergency Management Agency, 76 personnel from the local emergency department participated in extinguishing the fire at the shopping center. The emergency call was received at 21:34 on April 14. The building, which began operating in 2017, was a steel-frame sandwich-panel structure measuring 73m by 43m. The spread of the fire was halted at 00:35, and it was fully extinguished by 04:00 on the same night. Fire inspectors and police officials are currently working to determine the cause of the fire. Governor L. Tumurbaatar of Khuvsgul province told the press that on April 14, 2024, around 21:34, the fire started on the second floor. Emergency personnel arrived immediately after the call was received. Both emergency responders and local residents gave their all to put out the fire, but due to the nature of the sandwich-panel building, it was impossible to stop the fire. The building had 260 tenants and was fully owned by the local government. So far, goods from only eight stalls have been salvaged. The second floor of the two-story building was completely burned, and the fire spread to the first floor. Our province has a large population, but the emergency services are evaluated as lacking in equipment and manpower. Nevertheless, our emergency department fulfilled their legal duties effectively. Relevant actions were taken by the governor's office, the public utilities agency, and the emergency services. The results of the fire investigation will be announced, and those found responsible will be identified and held accountable. Compensation will be managed in accordance with the rules for damages.

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Repairs Underway from 25th Pharmacy Intersection to Baruun Durvun Zam

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Along Peace Avenue, the front lanes (1st and 2nd lanes) of the road section from the 25th Pharmacy intersection to the Amarsanaa Street intersection (Baruun Durvun Zam) are being renovated. Specifically, the road is being widened to 4.8 meters, and using a recycler machine, a foundation layer fortified with 6% cement at a thickness of 0.25 meters is being laid during the nighttime, according to information from the UB City Road Administration. This year, the section of Peace Avenue from Sapporo in the First District to the Officers' Palace will also undergo repairs. As a result, a total of 8.9 kilometers of the capital city's main thoroughfare will be completely renewed. Status update on the road repairs from the 25th Pharmacy intersection to the Amarsanaa Street intersection: Source: Public Relations and Communications Office of the Capital City Governor's Administration Notice: Media outlets (TV, Radio, Social Media, and Websites) are prohibited from partially or fully using this information in any form without consent, and may only use it by citing the source (ikon.mn) with permission.

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The New Zaisan Bridge to Be Commissioned in June

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The new Zaisan Bridge will be commissioned on June 30. As part of the expansion and renovation of the Zaisan Bridge, the old bridge was dismantled last January to make way for the new structure. Currently, the renovation is 80% complete. B. Jargalduuren, a bridge inspection specialist at the Road Development Agency, said, “The Zaisan Bridge will be a 225-meter long, four-lane steel-reinforced concrete bridge. The renovation work is ongoing. So far, 80% of the intermediate support pillars have been installed, and the work on the western, eastern, southern, and northern end pillars has been completed. Five girder beams have been put in place. In total, it is planned to install 50 girders of 18, 21, and 25 meters in length for this bridge structure.” Additionally, as part of the expansion and renovation of the Zaisan Bridge, the western bridge was commissioned in 2023.

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The 39th Meeting of General Directors of the Organization for Cooperation of Railways was Held

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The 39th Meeting of General Directors of the Organization for Cooperation of Railways (OSJD) was successfully organized in Warsaw, the capital of the Republic of Poland. A delegation led by H. Kherlen, the head of "UBTZ" State-Owned Shareholding Company, attended the meeting. During the session, they reviewed the 2024 reports of the 3rd Commission on Freight Transport, the 4th Commission on Passenger Transport, the 5th Commission on Infrastructure and Rolling Stock, as well as other permanent and temporary working groups. They also finalized the approval of the 2025 work plans. In addition, the financial report of the OSJD Committee for 2024 was presented and the 2025 budget was discussed during the General Directors' meeting. The minutes of the 39th Meeting of OSJD General Directors were signed by Railway Director H. Kherlen. During the meeting, the head of the OSJD Committee, Miroslav Antonovich, the chairman of the Polish Railways' Board, Beiru Alan, and the heads of railways from countries such as China, South Korea, and Belarus also held working meetings, according to "UBTZ" State-Owned Shareholding Company. Notice: Media organizations (television, radio, social and web pages) are prohibited from using our information in full or in part in any form without permission, and may only use it by citing the source (ikon.mn) after agreement.

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Society

Leo Zeng: Aiming to Promote Relations between Mongolian and Australian Citizens and Enhance Cultural Exchange

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: ikon.mn

L. Munkhtushig, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, received Leo Zeng, the newly appointed Ambassador of Australia to Mongolia, and accepted his copy of credentials. The State Secretary noted that relations and cooperation between Mongolia and Australia, a close partner and "third neighbor" in the Asia-Pacific region, have expanded in recent years to cover a wide range of sectors including education, mining, mineral resources, defense, and humanitarian areas, significantly contributing to Mongolia’s social and economic development. He emphasized that there are vast opportunities and prospects for further collaboration in agriculture and energy sectors, and wished Ambassador Zeng great success in strengthening the friendly ties between the two countries. Ambassador Zeng expressed his intention to seek opportunities to expand Mongolia-Australia cooperation, support people-to-people relations, and actively promote cultural and artistic exchanges between the two nations, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Note: Media outlets (TV, radio, social media and websites) are prohibited from fully or partially using this information without permission, and should only use it by referencing the source (ikon.mn) upon agreement.

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Women's Labor Force Participation Rate in Mongolia is 48.6%

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (MLSP) of Mongolia organized a discussion today on the topic of partnership and cooperation between the government and civil society organizations for the development and protection of women. Currently, there are 1.9 million people working in Mongolia, of which over 563,000 are women. The women's labor force participation rate stands at 48.6%, which is considered a low indicator. The main reason for this is that women spend a lot of time on unpaid care work, such as looking after children, family members, and the elderly. Studies show that women in Asia-Pacific countries spend four times more time on unpaid care work compared to women in other parts of the world. Increasing the participation of women in the workforce could boost gross domestic product by 26%. As of 2024, in Mongolia, 315 women are working as child caretakers in child care service centers in 15 provinces and six districts. Going forward, Mongolia aims to develop the care economy, support women’s employment, and create a society that is equitable, inclusive, and contributes to economic growth. In addition to women’s development and protection, the MLSP reported that the event discussed current actions against domestic violence, the rights and challenges faced by herder women, and proposals for future cooperation between government and civil society organizations. Notice: Media outlets (TV, radio, social, and web pages) are prohibited from using this information in whole or in part in any form unless they have obtained permission and cite the source (ikon.mn).

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Regulation Approved to Prevent Children from Harmful and Prohibited Content Online

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: montsame.mn

In the last five years, 40,900 crimes have been committed in the online environment, resulting in 459 children being affected. There have also been 350 complaints related to bullying among peers, 29 of which occurred online. Cyberbullying cases increased from 83 in 2022 to 448 in 2023. Among children aged 7-12, 50% use Facebook, and among those aged 13-18, 77% use Facebook. Of these, 87% have been exposed to cyberattacks. Furthermore, 59% of children do not inform their parents about such incidents, and 67% have more than one account. 89% of children log into Facebook at home without supervision. According to statistics, the number of children harmed by cybercrime increases by an average of 62.2% each year. As a result, the Ministry of Digital Development and Communications has approved the "Regulation on Preventing and Protecting Children from Harmful and Prohibited Content Online." The regulation advises educational institutions and teachers to use safe platforms when communicating with children and parents, and not to use social media such as Facebook for homework or information sharing. The ministry informed that the regulation clearly defines the responsibilities of content providers, parents, educational institutions, internet service providers, and state organizations in child protection activities online.

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Ulaanbaatar Drifting Away from Happiness

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

People live listlessly in our colorless capital city that is almost embarrassing to call a national capital, getting by from one day to the next without a reason to feel joy. There is no clean air to breathe, nowhere to walk, just smoke and traffic jams, a society corroded by corruption and bribery, hospitals filled with sick and suffering people, and Mongolia is close to leading the world in rates of cancer and suicide. In such a country, talking about happiness may be a mistake. The 3.5 million Mongolians only wish for a peaceful life. If one can raise their children safe and sound in a city with clean air, green spaces, no traffic jams and stress, then perhaps that is happiness. Citizens, for sure, do not wish the state to meddle in everything, to distribute free food in the central square, or to claim ownership over entertainment and services. I wonder if there are other countries where young people, instead of learning and exploring, rack their brains over how to acquire an apartment or a car. Cities considered pleasant to live in are determined by multiple criteria: quality of life, safety, education, health, environment, transportation. As of last year, Vienna in Austria was named the most livable city, followed by Zurich in Switzerland, Copenhagen in Denmark, Vancouver in Canada, and Melbourne in Australia. In Asia, Tokyo in Japan and Seoul in South Korea were mentioned. These cities have been rated on the basis of clean air, safety, culture, public transport, technological development, and economic stability. Furthermore, according to the World Happiness Report, Mongolia ranks 77th out of 143 countries, below the median happiness level—16 places lower than the previous year. We are drifting further away from happiness. Trust and generosity among citizens have more impact on happiness, the report notes. In other words, a key marker of overall happiness is the belief that if you lose your wallet, someone will find it and return it. However, in our context, the situation is the opposite; many would simply keep what they find. Naturally, people are happier and feel at peace in places with less crime, theft, and danger. For instance, in Sydney, Australia, there are very few police officers, yet citizens strictly observe rules and regulations without being pushed or supervised. There is great respect for public interests. Because life and health are placed foremost, any accidental loss of life sparks huge media coverage. In contrast, in our country, deaths due to traffic, domestic accidents, social factors, or preventable diseases have become disturbingly normal. There can be no happiness in a city where life is cheap. What do representatives of the public think about this situation? Here are their perspectives. B. Naranbaatar: Ulaanbaatar is Just Like a Provincial Center
(Director of "Pusk Dro" LLC, engineer, architect) Lack of city planning and haphazardly constructed buildings are the main reasons citizens are upset. Since 1990, people have built wherever they pleased. Without coordinated planning, these buildings have ultimately led to a concrete jungle. The first priority should be city land use planning, but we have none. Entrepreneurs fill up the land they receive with more and more buildings to maximize profit. There’s no plan showing where factories or housing should go. For example, we need clear regulations, such as keeping 70% of the city center green and only building on 30%, and so on. Even though norms and standards for construction exist, the authorities do not enforce them, so problems arise. With no regulation, people do as they wish. Viewed from above, the city looks like spilled Shagai (traditional Mongolian knucklebones). The city administration is unable to organize redevelopment properly. There is no consistent concept; everywhere are clusters of buildings called neighborhoods, missing proper walkways and open spaces, irritating the public. Our capital’s structure and organization resemble a provincial center, where all issues must be solved in one place. In other countries, decentralization is the trend; cities are broken up. Japan, for example, has 23 special wards, each functioning with city status. With local government services available where people live, migration and traffic decrease. Additionally, public officials are unfamiliar with their jobs. Citizens and business owners exhaust themselves searching for decision-makers and knocking on the doors of many offices. Kh. Badamlyankhua: Life, Health, and Freedom Must Come First
(Mongolian living in Australia, Master’s in Environmental Management from University of New South Wales) A city that puts its citizens first and is people-centered can be called a happy city. Ulaanbaatar faces countless unresolved issues. We’ve lived in Australia for seven years now. Here, life, freedom, health, and recognition of labor come first. Respect for others, not breaking rules, strictly observing safety standards are directly connected to life and health. For example, Australia leads the world in road signs and markings. As they prioritize life and health, everything is designed to be citizen-friendly. If Mongolia would also place life, health, and freedom foremost, it could resolve its issues from the start. I do not believe everything can be solved simply with money or top-down decisions. Happiness is not measured by development, luxury, or tall buildings, but by the comfort of ordinary people in their daily lives. I believe good health is the foundation of happiness. Health is guaranteed by clean air, clean water, and proper street and public space sanitation. Ulaanbaatar’s air, soil, and water pollution make healthy living impossible. Until we fix our energy situation, we cannot overcome smoke and congestion. At the very least, if we improve automotive inspection quality and vehicle standards, car emissions could be limited. In Australia, "excessively polluting" vehicles are not allowed on the road. Waste management must be urgently improved. We need a well-organized system for waste sorting and timely collection. Refuse trucks, containers, recycling—all must be modernized, and citizen participation is critical. Walkable streets, parks, children’s playgrounds, public toilets—these are the "life" of a city. Peace of mind, exercise, social interaction, a calm environment—these are all measures of happiness. Every district and neighborhood in Sydney has libraries and hygiene facilities. There are enough green spaces so the elderly can exercise, youths can jog or cycle, and children can play freely. Trees, water, colors, quiet—these enliven a city. One feels inner peace in places where there are trees, birds, flowing water. A city should strive to have such an environment to deserve the name. B. Enkhbayar: Clean, Safe Environment Increases People’s Satisfaction
(Director of Otgontenger University’s School of Humanities, PhD and associate professor in psychology) Urban economic development, buildings, and facilities alone do not make a city happy. The satisfaction, safety, mental state, social relationships, and comfort of the environment for residents are affected by many factors. According to WHO and Positive Psychology Center research, people living close to nature in clean, safe environments are 20-30% more satisfied. Cities with good security, low crime, green areas, parks, walkways, water bodies, and a sense of peace are considered happy cities. Positive relationships, less traffic, accessible health and education institutions, culture, art, and intellectual hubs—such as theaters, museums, libraries, and training centers—all promote human satisfaction and creativity. Additionally, reducing social class differences increases happiness. Only when these are implemented can we talk of a happy city. Canadian researcher Charles Montgomery said, “A city is not just buildings; it is a reflection of people’s psychological state.” His famous research, “Happy City” in Vancouver, is regarded as a modern and human-centered experiment combining urban planning and positive psychology. This experiment showed that increasing walkways, green spaces, public spaces, and community meals raised residents' satisfaction by 20%, improved family relations by 15%, doubled public participation, and reduced stress by 25%. On the other hand, being positive and responsible, caring for urban cleanliness, public property, maintaining good neighborly relationships, and involving citizens in decision-making all influence happiness. Some positive psychology theories say you can find happiness even in unpleasant environments, but that depends on personal characteristics and attitude. T. Zolzaya: A City Without Dreams for Youth
(Master’s student in Political Science, International Relations, Public Administration at National University of Mongolia) To put it bluntly, Ulaanbaatar is a city that denies young people dreams. Everyone has dreams. But the youth of Ulaanbaatar put their dreams aside merely to cover their basic needs. My own dreams are buried under apartment down payments, polluted by wage loans, and lost in traffic jams. This is the reality for today's youth. Opportunities to get an education, develop yourself, spend time on interests, or realize new ideas are very rare. We devote all our energy to the simplest needs: food, shelter, security, and health. Politicians call on youth to dream big, but in reality, do not create conditions for those dreams to be realized. This system, with its corruption and conflicts of interest, limits young people’s opportunities to work honestly. Still, I do not want to be pessimistic about everything. I believe in living in a city that listens to the youth, creates spaces for education, culture, start-ups, art, and technology, and offers real opportunities to realize dreams. A government that supports people to pursue distant dreams, listens to citizens instead of cornering them with daily survival, can build a truly happy city.

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Panel Discussion to Be Held Next Wednesday

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: news.mn

A panel discussion themed "Let Our Voices Be Heard in Reducing Disaster Risks" will be held next week, aiming to amplify the voices of high school students in disaster prevention and risk reduction, and to enhance their knowledge and understanding of safe living. This panel is being organized under the campaign “Four Issues–One Solution” by the Capital City Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Capital Emergency Management Agency, in collaboration with the National Institute for Disaster Studies under the General Agency for Emergency Management, the Capital Education Department, and the Mongolian Children's Palace. The discussion will cover topics such as social and environmental risks, safety of travel between school and home, safety on playgrounds and recreational areas, safety concerns when using bicycles, scooters, and electric bikes in traffic, as well as precautions and preventive measures to avoid drowning in rivers, lakes, and stagnant water bodies. So far, eighteen teams of high school students have registered to participate in the panel discussion.

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Environment

Public Input Begins on the Draft Law to Address Climate Change

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

As part of the goal to develop sustainable agriculture, relevant organizations such as the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the Ministry of Economy and Development, and the German International Cooperation Society have jointly drafted a law to address climate change. This draft law is now ready to be discussed among industry researchers and specialists. The frequency of disasters and hazardous events stemming from climate change, as well as their damages, has been increasing year by year. On the other hand, an urgent issue is to what extent citizens are prepared for and resilient against such risks. The purpose of this law is to make the livestock sector more resilient to the adverse effects of climate change and to improve the coping abilities of citizens, the public, and especially herders. With such a law, Mongolia will be able to objectively assess its fulfillment of international obligations related to reducing and adapting to the impacts of climate change. Today's discussion will address whether the draft law aligns with international policies and standards and will gather researchers' opinions and recommendations in a consolidated manner.

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Expressed Support for the Conference of the Parties to the Convention to Combat Desertification

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The World Bank has stated its full support for Mongolia's initiative, the "International Coalition for Land and Pasture for the Future," which is being organized in conjunction with the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and the International Year of Rangelands in 2026. Within this framework, Minister of Environment and Tourism S. Odontuya met with representatives of the World Bank to discuss the joint development of a specific investment program as part of this initiative. Additionally, they discussed solutions to reduce air pollution together with the World Bank, addressing climate change, and cooperation to be implemented within the framework of the upcoming COP17 to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. The World Bank is supporting Mongolia in improving its legal environment concerning climate change, developing the draft Law on Climate Change and regulations for the carbon market arising from it. Furthermore, they are collaborating on the formulation of the "Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS)," for which Minister Odontuya expressed her gratitude and agreed to further improve cooperation and implementation, as reported by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. She briefly introduced the work being done under the national committee to reduce air pollution, which she chairs, and requested joint support in financing the replacement of 173 coal-fired heating boilers in the capital city with environmentally friendly, low-emission boilers. She also proposed the introduction of joint green loans and other financial sources to support these activities in an economically beneficial way, encouraging the participation of the private sector. Furthermore, they exchanged ideas on presenting the achievements and results of Mongolia's environmental sector projects and technical assistance during the conference, and on attracting participation from international banks and financial organizations.

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Long-term Strategy to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions to be Developed

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The Ministry of Environment and Tourism, the Ministry of Economy and Development, and the World Bank jointly organized a multi-stakeholder discussion and meeting to ensure the readiness of the carbon market and to develop a long-term strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Participants in the meeting emphasized the importance of policy coordination and strengthening intersectoral collaboration necessary to establish a sustainable and climate-resilient future for Mongolia. The meeting also introduced the draft Climate Law, greenhouse gas inventory, the establishment of a foundational system for the carbon market, international best practices in this field, and an analysis of the regulatory environment. Additionally, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism reported that opinions were exchanged on improving the draft Climate Law, effective organization of carbon market policies, and establishing institutional frameworks.

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BAYANKHONGOR: Cooperation to Improve Pasture Management

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The Asian Development Bank and Gobi JSC are funding the "Pasture Solutions" project, which will be implemented over five years starting this year in Jinst, Bayan-Ovoo, and Erdenetsogt sums of Bayankhongor province. During the team's working visit to Bayankhongor, the provincial governor D. Munkhsaikhan received the project team. Project leader Kevin Gallagher and representatives from Gobi JSC noted that the project will be implemented in three main directions: training herders in pasture management and ecology, providing them with knowledge of financial operations for daily use, and ensuring gender equality. They emphasized that the project will be carried out following exemplary models with clear solutions for sustainable pasture management. Governor D. Munkhsaikhan expressed his gratitude for selecting Bayankhongor for the project with a focus on proper pasture management and affirmed that the province will provide the necessary support and cooperation for its implementation. The project's aim is to increase herders' resilience to extreme weather conditions, foster sustainable cashmere purchasing and production, and develop standards to be followed in the value chain of cashmere production. Additionally, the project seeks to empower rural women herders and increase women's participation in Mongolia's agricultural sector.

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Innovation

B.Batsaikhan: Improving Taxpayer Compliance with Modern Advanced Technology

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: ikon.mn

CONSULTING TAX AUTHORITY The General Taxation Department is aiming to improve compliance with laws and regulations by leveraging advanced technology. We spoke with B.Batsaikhan, Head of the Risk Management Department of the General Taxation Department, about this topic. - The General Taxation Department seems to be focusing on implementing its strategy for the next four years. In this context, what is the focus of your department’s activities? - The 4.1 objective in the General Taxation Department’s 2025-2028 Strategic Plan specifies "Enhancing the operations of the tax authority to a new level through modern advanced technology and increasing voluntary compliance with tax laws by taxpayers." In this regard, the Risk Management Department is prioritizing the improvement of methodologies for tax risk assessment. Through this, we aim to advise taxpayers and guide them in improving compliance and risk evaluation outcomes. For example, in order to improve voluntary compliance, the recent legal revisions have established new methods for determining the level of taxpayer compliance. As a result, compliant taxpayers will not only have their tax payment periods deferred but will also benefit from various incentive mechanisms. For those who have insufficient compliance, the opportunity to self-correct reports and resolve violations is provided. Of course, the criteria for calculating compliance levels will be based on data from tax registration, reporting, payment, audit, and control, and will be calculated monthly, quarterly, and annually. This information will be provided to taxpayers through the online reporting system. A reward system is set up for compliant taxpayers alongside the deferral of tax payments. - What needs to be done to ensure risk-based corrections of reports? - The 2025 plan for risk-based tax audits envisages reducing the number of micro and small segment taxpayers being audited by half compared to the previous year. In doing so, a new risk assessment model will be introduced, and taxpayers will be notified in advance regarding their risk levels. They will also be provided with information on how to correct reports and prevent potential risks. Thus, audits will not be carried out unless necessary based on results. A new taxpayer notification system has been developed and implemented in the TUNS (Tax Administration System). According to the new risk model, identified high-risk taxpayers will be notified to correct their reports. As a trial, two tax offices will implement this system initially. Notifications will be sent by tax inspectors through TUNS to micro and small segment taxpayers. The Risk Management Department will provide tax inspectors with recommendations on why a taxpayer was assessed as high-risk and how to correct their reporting. Additionally, we are working on creating, collecting, using, and exchanging third-party data, ensuring data accuracy, providing tax offices with management and methodological support, and collaborating with relevant units if there are significant discrepancies between taxpayer reports and third-party data, so as to correct inaccurate reports. Moreover, in order to increase the compliance levels for individuals, local tax offices and tax inspectors will collect information and conduct surveys on unregistered entities operating in their respective areas. Thus, enriching third-party databases is necessary. Based on this data, we will identify taxpayers with discrepancies in their reports and cooperate with relevant units to correct and verify their data. Special attention will be given to collecting data on electronic traders, market and shopping center operators, individuals engaged in other activities, those involved in arts and sports, and network marketers. - In this era of digital nation-building, it is said that taxpayers should be served without burden or inconvenience. What is being done on this aspect? - We are focusing on automation of operations. All requests and information submitted in writing by taxpayers and other organizations related to tax control and audits will be fully automated within TUNS. This will allow for timely updates on the resolution status of requests and enable the compilation and analysis of information related to submitted requests. Development for this was scheduled for the third quarter of last year. We are also analyzing risk assessments and violation information from taxpayers who have undergone audits to review and improve current models. That is, we are working to better define and improve the general risk assessment models. Additionally, when validating supplementary tax assessment acts, we developed a warning system in TUNS to check the alignment of violation data with the outcomes predicted by control models. - What changes will be made regarding VAT under the new legal frameworks? - To reduce VAT evasion, measures such as identifying taxpayers obtaining purchase receipts (electronic payment slips), restricting access to the e-payment document system, issuing risk alerts to buyers of fake documents, and nullifying fraudulent records will be implemented to counteract false VAT invoicing. Moreover, research and analysis are essential. In the 2025-2028 Strategic Plan of the General Taxation Department, goal 2.1.3 states: "Increase the level of optimal decision-making based on big data." Within this framework, our research this year will focus on increasing budget revenues. For example, we are conducting studies on cash flow and tax mobilization opportunities for businesses to enhance the revenues of the 2025 national and local budgets and will share these findings with provincial and city tax offices. We will also process data required for VAT discrepancy analyses—this includes preparing and cleaning VAT discrepancy data. Furthermore, we plan to contribute to drafting and amending relevant laws. Firstly, we will supply necessary research and information for drafting amendments to the Corporate Income Tax Law, Personal Income Tax Law, and the revised VAT Law to the legal working group established at the General Taxation Department and to the Tax Policy Department at the Ministry of Finance. We will also prepare research data for the Law on the Fiscal Framework and related taxation laws and submit this to the Ministry of Finance. Additionally, in line with regional development policies, we are conducting studies on regional businesses and submitting presentations to the Ministry of Finance and relevant government bodies. We are also focusing on distributing statistical information to the public by publishing tax statistics on the tax authority’s website (mta.gov.mn) and the National Open Data Portal (www.opendata.gov.mn). Despite using big data for analysis, issues such as data quality and inconsistency arise. - What should be focused on going forward? - First, the process for receiving tax reports should be enhanced and quick measures taken to correct erroneous reports. Errors in reports complicate the analysis process. Although manual correction and cleaning of data used in studies is conducted, it can negatively affect the reliability and truthfulness of studies. Second, there are efforts to intensify the collection of tax debts. For example, a 2022 study examined the cash flows of businesses to determine the optimal period for tax collection. Based on this study, local tax offices can update their information annually to better collect arrears, although this is not widely done. In the first half of 2025, the General Taxation Department will update this study again. Thereafter, local tax offices can independently perform such analyses and will not need repeated instructions. The study also found that over 30% of total tax revenue comes from citizens. However, over 90% of citizens' paid taxes are withheld at source, and few report their own income accurately. In addition, issues remain with the provision of receipts and registration of business operators at markets and shopping centers. Therefore, it is necessary to focus more on activities targeting entrepreneurial citizens to improve the accuracy and completeness of their tax reporting. All these efforts are aimed at enhancing the quality of reporting among entrepreneurial citizens. Note: Media organizations (TV, Radio, Social, and Web platforms) are prohibited from using our material in whole or in part in any form, except with specific agreement, and should cite the source (ikon.mn) when allowed.

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Online Discussion on "Opportunities and Solutions to Involve Mongolian Talents in Mega Projects" to Be Held

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Within Ulaanbaatar, 24 mega projects will be implemented between 2025 and 2028. In this context, an online discussion will be held to exchange information with Mongolian talents living and working abroad about the national and Ulaanbaatar-level projects being implemented, as well as the necessary human resources, knowledge, and skills required for them. This discussion will take place on the 24th of this month. Those interested in participating can register at https://shorturl.at/WodLe. Follow @montsame.mn

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The 'E-Barimt' System Will Be Fully Restored to Normal Operation by the End of Today

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

It was previously reported that the 'E-Barimt' electronic system had been experiencing disruptions over the past three days. Authorities have now announced that the electronic system will be restored to normal operation within today. Specifically, they stated, "Technical faults are being repaired in stages, and the login section for businesses was restored to normal at 12:38 today. Work is ongoing to fully restore the login section for citizens to normal operation by the end of the day."

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Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Due to a malfunction in the eBarimt electronic payment receipt system's database, it has become inaccessible. Yesterday, the engineering and technical team announced that they were working urgently to repair the system. As a result, they reported on their social media that the business user login section was restored to normal operation as of 12:38 today. As for the citizen login section, they stated that it will be fully restored to normal operation within today. System access to eBarimt had been interrupted since 13:30 on April 16th. Notice:
Media organizations (television, radio, social media, and websites) are prohibited from using our information in any form, in full or in part, unless agreed upon. In such cases, the source (ikon.mn) must be cited.

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A Few Days Left Until the End of Registration for the Mentorship Program

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Golomt Bank has been implementing the Mentorship Program since 2022 to provide guidance and support to small and medium-sized business owners in successfully expanding their operations. In this program, founders and managers of Golomt Bank and major Mongolian companies participate as mentors, sharing their experience and knowledge with small and medium-sized businesses. Consulting service experts also conduct training aimed at improving organizational effectiveness and strategic management, implementing various measures to help businesses develop optimally and in a short period. During this time, we have collaborated with 15 organizations through Special Consulting Services, and 55 organizations through Classroom programs, helping them advance to the next stage of their business. As a result of joining the program, some organizations have increased their sales channels, some have introduced new products to the market, and others have successfully improved their internal processes, achieving many positive outcomes. We are currently launching the registration for the Mentorship-2025 program, searching for the next group of organizations wishing to expand their businesses. As only a few days remain to register, we encourage business owners to apply in time. The Mentorship-2025 program offers effective consulting services and collaboration to help you expand your business, such as: • Strategic planning to lead your future and fully define your business goals; • Innovative methods to manage daily performance in connection with financial results; • A business model that grows sales not by competing, but by standing out from others; • Process innovation to increase productivity and reduce costs; • Mutually beneficial partnership development; • Access to real-life experiences of industry leaders to shorten your business journey. Business owners can register by clicking HERE. Attention: Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social, and Web sites) are strictly prohibited from using our information in whole or in part in any form, except with permission, in which case the source (ikon.mn) must be cited.

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Health

A State-Subsidized Clinic Worth 34.4 Billion MNT to be Auctioned Off

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: news.mn

There are multiple objects affiliated with the "Traditional Medicine Hepatology Clinical Center," such as the Zaisan clinic care facility, a 10-hectare medicinal plant cultivation area located in Gachuurt, among others. One of these is the former building of the Pharmaceutical Factory, situated behind Dashchoilin Monastery in Sukhbaatar district's 6th khoroo. This object, commissioned for pharmaceutical use in 1952, has been deemed unfit for use by the relevant professional organizations. Nevertheless, families have been living in the building without permission, and Dr. J. Khatanbaatar and others have continued to use the facility without any payment. This situation was recently put to an end when the city forcibly cleared the building last Monday night at midnight. Mayor H. Nyambaatar, while addressing the matter concerning the Pharmaceutical Factory building and the land in Sukhbaatar district’s 6th khoroo, declared that the property would be reclaimed by the state. Currently, Dr. J. Khatanbaatar owns it, but the mayor announced that the property would be returned to city ownership and sold via auction. The reason is that this former pharmaceutical plant, which now functions as the Traditional Medicine Hepatology Clinical Center, has received 7.5 billion MNT from the state budget and 26.8 billion MNT from the Social Insurance Fund in subsidies, yet has paid nothing to the state to date. Specifically, from 2008 to 2021, the clinic center received 7.5 billion MNT for operational expenses from the state budget, and 26.8 billion MNT from the Social Insurance Fund for patient hospitalization expenses. The clinic center controls a total of eight buildings, and Mayor Nyambaatar stated that they have been trying to acquire all these properties from the state for free. Mayor H. Nyambaatar stated that the well-known Dr. J. Khatanbaatar originally acquired the pharmaceutical factory building under a management contract. At the time, since he was deemed to have fulfilled the management contract satisfactorily, a decision was made to allow the construction of a residential building there. However, the term of this decision has expired and is now void. Calling it privatization via management and investment for such a derelict structure is not justified. The professional inspection authority has also determined that the building is unfit for use and has ordered its demolition. According to the 2010 decisions of the Mayor's Office (NCD) and Capital City Citizens' Representative Khural (NITKH), the building was removed from the city’s property registry. Now, the entire property has been officially transferred to city ownership. Dr. J. Khatanbaatar and his associates were notified to vacate the building and land by the 15th of this month. The 3,150 square meter property will be auctioned off. This is just one example of cunning individuals embezzling and hiding state property. Recently, Dr. J. Khatanbaatar sent a letter to the President with the message, "Our ownership rights have been violated." Dr. J. Khatanbaatar devalued the state property, acquired it under the guise of management privatization, and, without making any investment, allowed it to fall into ruin. He then obtained permission to construct a private house for himself. The term for this scheme has now expired.

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Cases of Suspected Food Poisoning Reported at Mine in Gurvantes Soum, Umnugovi; 117 People Hospitalized at NCCD

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) has reported suspected cases of food poisoning infections at mines located in Tsogttsetsii and Gurvantes soums of Umnugovi province. The first cases were recorded at a mine in Tsogttsetsii soum last week. At that time, 119 people were hospitalized at the NCCD, of whom 91 have since recovered and been discharged. The affected individuals, aged between 19 and 60, exhibited symptoms such as watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. NCCD’s team has been working at the location since April 9. Additionally, representatives from the Umnugovi Provincial Health Department and sector regulators have taken samples from symptomatic workers, as well as environmental, food, and water samples for testing. Tests on those admitted to NCCD revealed the presence of Salmonella spp. Furthermore, an outbreak of suspected food poisoning has been reported at a mine in Gurvantes soum, Umnugovi province. On this matter, N. Suvdmaa, head of a unit at NCCD, stated: “Our rapid response team that was working in Tsogttsetsii has now moved to Gurvantes soum. Individuals aged 20-50 working at the company have fallen ill. Currently, 117 people exhibiting clinical symptoms are hospitalized in the infectious diseases ward at NCCD. We are collecting and testing samples from food, environment, and water. Preliminary results indicate the presence of Salmonella spp.” Bacteria of the Salmonella group can reproduce in milk, dairy products, meat, butter, and eggs, and they can persist in water for two months, in soil for 4-5 years, in indoor dust for three months, and in dry excreta for 2-4 years. In order to prevent infection with this bacteria, Dr. N. Suvdmaa advised: “Individuals should maintain proper personal hygiene and sanitation practices. Organizations responsible for providing food to many people must ensure strict supervision. Food products should be sourced from certified suppliers, stored correctly, and processed using the correct methods.” Warning: Media organizations (television, radio, social and web pages) are prohibited from using this information in whole or in part in any form without consent and must cite the source (ikon.mn) if permitted to use.

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Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Ulaanbaatar Overview of today's events: 9:00 am: Leading companies in their sector such as Erdenet Mining Corporation SOE, Ulaanbaatar Railways JVC, and Oyu Tolgoi LLC will hold a meeting and discussion to share best practices in occupational safety and health at the Holiday Inn. 9:30 am: The signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Government Inspection Authority and the Mongolian Appraisal Association will take place at the Government Inspection Authority. 10:30 am: The liver transplant team from the National Cancer Center will hold a press conference at the NCC. - The “Vinyl & Music” record music event and open fair will be held at the Ulaanbaatar Gallery. - The Government will hold an extraordinary meeting. - Today is "International Day of Monuments and Sites". - The "Mongolia Mining-2025" exhibition continues at the Buyant-Ukhaa complex. - A joint performance of about 230 artists from over 10 Mongolian circus troupes is ongoing at Sukhbaatar Square. - The solo exhibition "A Palmful from the Steppe" by artist and civil coordinator N. Soninbayar from the Khukh Nar Mongolian Contemporary Art Center will be on display at the Mongolian Fine Arts Gallery until the 30th of this month. - The “Heritage of the Great Enlightened One” exhibition dedicated to the 390th anniversary of the birth of Zanabazar, the Great Enlightened One, is being held at the Fine Arts Museum named after G. Zanabazar. In the provinces: 12:30 pm: The first solo art exhibition "In the Depths of Silence" by B. Mungunzaya, a 12a grade student at the 1st General Education School in Bulgan soum, Khovd province, will open at the Children's Palace of the province. - The nationwide clean-up campaign under the motto "Let's Clean Our City Together" continues in Khovd province. Abroad: - The international exhibition “Genghis Khan” continues at the National Museum of the Czech Republic until June 22. Follow @montsame.mn

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Out of 590 confirmed cases of measles, 471 have recovered

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: ikon.mn

As of today, the number of confirmed measles cases has reached 590. Of these, 471 have recovered, while 111 people are being treated in hospitals and eight are receiving treatment at home. The majority of cases have been registered among students in general education schools. More specifically, 54.9 percent of the confirmed cases are adolescents aged 10 to 19. Because of this, the National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) has advised that students should regularly wear masks and disinfect their hands to prevent infectious diseases. Additionally, parents and guardians are required to ensure that their children have received both doses of the measles vaccine. This infectious disease has been recorded in Arkhangai, Bayankhongor, Umnugovi, Dundgovi, Tuv, and Khentii provinces, as well as in Ulaanbaatar city. Note: Media organizations (TV, radio, social media, and websites) are prohibited from fully or partially using our information in any form, except by prior agreement and by citing the source (ikon.mn).

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Emphasizing the Need to Prioritize Student Health

Published: 2025-04-18 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

The national discussion titled "Comprehensive Policy, Issues, and Solutions for Student Development" was held yesterday at the Government Palace. Currently, there are 150,282 students studying across 65 universities and colleges in Mongolia. Of these, 54.3% attend public institutions, 40% private, and 5.7% communal or religious schools. Representatives from major universities such as the National University of Mongolia, Mongolian University of Science and Technology, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, and the University of Finance and Economics participated and delivered presentations. The representatives from the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences noted the urgent need to focus on student health. They conducted a study evaluating the health status and prevalence of illnesses among more than 3,400 students from first to sixth year at 14 universities. The analysis of risk factors for the participating students' health revealed that only 31% were considered healthy. 31.4% of students reported having a balanced diet, 53.4% were physically active, and 23% stated they had a good quality of sleep. Unfortunately, the study revealed eight cases of syphilis and one suspected case of HIV/AIDS. Moreover, 39% of surveyed students were found to be at high risk of illness, meaning they had 3-4 health risk factors. The risks were higher among those aged 20-24, and the proportion of students with risk factors increased with each year of study. The discussion thus emphasized the urgent need to focus on student health. Participants aimed to establish a unified network for student development and services in higher education institutions and lay the foundation for mutual cooperation.

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Today's Stories

Politics

Economy

Diplomacy

Infrastructure

Society

Environment

Innovation

Health

Politics

Special Envoys Begin Making Their Commitments

Amendments Made to the Law on Parliamentary Elections

The Government, Which Is About to Enter Into an Aircraft Fuel Supply Agreement, Is Being Demanded to Resign

Reviewed Procedures for Issuing, Holding, and Safekeeping Passports

Golomt's D.Bayasgalan Appoints His Own Person T.Davaadalai as H.Nyambaatar's First Deputy and His Younger Brother T.Munkhdalai as Head of 'Ulaanbaatar Metro'

Ministers and Members of Parliament Prohibited from Distributing Printed Newspapers or Magazines as Work Reports Prior to Candidate Nomination in Election Year

"K.Battulga Must Be Investigated by the Law and the Tögrog Nuur Deposit Must Be Returned to the State"

Question for the Parliament: Is it in Mongolia's National Interest or Moscow's Orders?!

Political Parties Are Responsible for Improving Citizens’ Electoral Education

Parliament "Protects" the Capital City's Decision to Increase Vehicle Taxes

The Government's Extraordinary Meeting Has Been Postponed Indefinitely

Economy

Over 250 Domestic and International Organizations Participate in Mongolia Mining International Mining Expo

Over 250 Organizations Participating in "Mongolian Mining" Expo

Mongolia's Coal Exports Face New Challenges!

Position: The Agreement on Supplying Aircraft Fuel is a Critical Issue

Övörkhangai: The Price of Meat at the Food Market Ranges from 10,000 to 20,000 MNT per Kilogram

“Top-100” Enterprises to Be Supported and Collaborate in the Bond Market

Financial Regulatory Commission Reduces Administrative Acts from 79 to 35

BUDGET: The Government Persists, Parliament Grows Anxious!

Special Purpose Vehicles are Exempt from Customs Duty

SKYtel and Shunkhlai Group Begin a New Era in Business Together

"There is no other way but to buy cashmere domestically"

Diplomacy

"We cannot hand over our only route to the world to a single country"

Ministry of Foreign Affairs: It is true that Mongolian citizen Ts. Tegshee, who resides permanently in Russia, has been arrested

A Memorandum of Cooperation Was Signed

Building a Community of Shared Destiny with Neighboring Countries

Online Meeting Held with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan

Infrastructure

Construction of the Cross-Border Railway Facility at Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod Port to Begin Next Month

The Risk of Chasing Two Rabbits: The Projects for the New Kharkhorum and Khunnu Cities Initiated by the President and Prime Minister Pose Significant Risks

538 Billion MNT Allocated from This Year's City Budget for the Construction of the Tuul Expressway

“10 buses are being purchased for about over three billion tugriks. Final amount will be determined after taxes are added”

Ulaanbaatar City Decides to Purchase 10 More Buses from China's 'Yutong Bus' Company

The Burnt Shopping Center Will Be Rebuilt Through a Public-Private Partnership

Repairs Underway from 25th Pharmacy Intersection to Baruun Durvun Zam

The New Zaisan Bridge to Be Commissioned in June

The 39th Meeting of General Directors of the Organization for Cooperation of Railways was Held

Society

Leo Zeng: Aiming to Promote Relations between Mongolian and Australian Citizens and Enhance Cultural Exchange

Women's Labor Force Participation Rate in Mongolia is 48.6%

Regulation Approved to Prevent Children from Harmful and Prohibited Content Online

Ulaanbaatar Drifting Away from Happiness

Panel Discussion to Be Held Next Wednesday

Environment

Public Input Begins on the Draft Law to Address Climate Change

Expressed Support for the Conference of the Parties to the Convention to Combat Desertification

Long-term Strategy to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions to be Developed

BAYANKHONGOR: Cooperation to Improve Pasture Management

Innovation

B.Batsaikhan: Improving Taxpayer Compliance with Modern Advanced Technology

Online Discussion on "Opportunities and Solutions to Involve Mongolian Talents in Mega Projects" to Be Held

The 'E-Barimt' System Will Be Fully Restored to Normal Operation by the End of Today

EBARIMT: The Citizen Login Section Will Be Restored to Normal Operation Within Today

A Few Days Left Until the End of Registration for the Mentorship Program

Health

A State-Subsidized Clinic Worth 34.4 Billion MNT to be Auctioned Off

Cases of Suspected Food Poisoning Reported at Mine in Gurvantes Soum, Umnugovi; 117 People Hospitalized at NCCD

TODAY: Leading Companies in the Industry Share Best Practices in Occupational Safety and Health

Out of 590 confirmed cases of measles, 471 have recovered

Emphasizing the Need to Prioritize Student Health

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