Mongolia News Summary for December 06, 2024
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 Mongolia Strategy Center or its members.
Today's Stories
Politics
- Parliament supports discussing the reduced 2025 budget of 2.3 trillion
- Urgent Discussion on 2025 Budget Proposal Begins
- Members Support Urgent Discussion on Amendments to the Budget Law
- The City's Budget Approved in 30 Minutes to Increase Revenue by 30.4% via Tax Hikes
- B. Javkhlan: To Reduce the Budget, More Than 10 Laws Have Been Amended, Cutting Costs for Missions, Furniture, Equipment, and Tools by 50% Each
- Mongolian People's Party Group Meeting Discusses Next Year's Budget
- Total of 2.3 trillion expenses to be cut, revenue to decrease by 394 billion
- Support Given to Discuss Amendments to the Law on Budget Projections
- Parliament Supports Urgent Discussion of 2025 Budget Proposal Submitted Today
Economy
- Rio Tinto Raises Revenue and Profit Forecasts Due to Increased Oyu Tolgoi Production
- Issuing Certificates of Origin for Goods Exported from Mongolia to Japan Electronically
- Rio Tinto Raises Revenue and Profit Forecasts with Increased Oyu Tolgoi Production
- 80,000 People Unemployed, 40,000 Jobs Without Workers
- Rio Tinto Raises Revenue and Profit Forecasts Due to Increased Oyu Tolgoi Production
- The city budget approved in 30 minutes will increase taxes, boosting revenue by 30.4%
- Study on Increasing the Financing and Accessibility of Mortgage Loans
- B. Javkhlan: Proposing Three Types of Tax Policies to Support the Private Sector
- B. Javkhlan: Three Kinds of Tax Policies to Support Private Enterprises
- The City's Budget Approved in 30 Minutes Will Increase Revenue by 30.4% by Raising Taxes
- Planning to Increase the Funding and Accessibility of Mortgage Loans
- Millennium Challenge Account-Mongolia: Invitation for Selection of Independent Consultants
Diplomacy
- Mongolia to Join the Eurasian Economic Union This Month
- Opportunities for Mutually Beneficial Cooperation in Renewable Energy, Mining, and Tourism Sectors
Infrastructure
- Starting the Construction of a Cross-Border Railway at Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod
- Fault Occurs at "Amgalan" Thermal Power Plant
- Resolved Compensation for Landowners in Apartment Housing Project
- Vehicle Registration Process in Ulaanbaatar
- N. Munkhbayar: 137 residents' land near Khaan Material has been compensated and vacated. 3,000 apartments will be built
Society
- National Campaign to Combat Gender-Based Violence Launched
- Russia and China provided the most tourists
Environment
- In Ulaanbaatar, Efforts to Reduce Carbon Emissions and Provide Clean Energy Are Being Studied
- Live: A protest against pollution - 'We Want to Breathe' - is happening in the central square
- Will Fund Projects to Adapt to Climate Change
- A 5.2 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Khanh Soum
- An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.2 occurred in Khuvsgul Aimag, Khankh Soum
Innovation
- Mongolian Engineer's Smokeless Stove Approved by World Intellectual Property Organization
- Report: Warm Bus Stop with High-Speed Internet
Arts
Politics
Parliament supports discussing the reduced 2025 budget of 2.3 trillion
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: news.mn
The Parliament supports discussing the reduced 2025 budget of 2.3 trillion. At the plenary session of the State Great Khural, it was decided by majority vote that the proposed legislation regarding the state budget of Mongolia for 2025 and the accompanying documents should be discussed. The Government, when revising the 2025 budget bill, proposed to reduce the unified state budget to a level equivalent to 35.2% of GDP, which is a reduction of 2.3 trillion compared to the previous proposal, with the aim of approving a budget with no deficit. The Standing Committee on Budget will continue its meeting, while the Mongolian People’s Party faction and the Democratic Party faction within the Parliament will meet at 10:30. The plenary session of the Parliament will resume at 12:00.
Urgent Discussion on 2025 Budget Proposal Begins
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: ikon.mn
The regular autumn session of the Parliament of Mongolia commenced at the State Palace. Today’s session will discuss the following issues: - Decide whether to expedite the parliamentary discussion of the law on amendments to the 2025 budget framework statement of the unified budget of Mongolia and the 2026-2027 budget projections; - Decide whether to expedite the parliamentary discussion of the draft laws on the 2025 state budget of Mongolia, amendments to the 2025 budget of the Social Insurance Fund, and amendments to the 2025 budget of the Health Insurance Fund, along with other related bills and resolutions submitted; - Draft law on amendments to the 2025 budget framework statement of the unified budget of Mongolia and the 2026-2027 budget projections (submitted by the government on December 4, 2024, pending discussion); - Draft laws on the 2025 state budget of Mongolia, amendments to the 2025 budget of the Social Insurance Fund, and amendments to the 2025 budget of the Health Insurance Fund (submitted by the government on December 4, 2024, first discussion session). Note: Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social and Web pages) must cite the source (ikon.mn) when using our information in any form, either fully or partially.
Members Support Urgent Discussion on Amendments to the Budget Law
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: gogo.mn
The Gogo team is working to deliver the information directly. At the session of the State Great Khural (Parliament), the issue of amending the Budget Law is being discussed. Members supported the urgent discussion. The session will continue today at 12:00. At the session of the State Great Khural, the issue of amending the Budget Law is being discussed. Members supported the urgent discussion. The session will continue today at 12:00.
The City's Budget Approved in 30 Minutes to Increase Revenue by 30.4% via Tax Hikes
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: itoim.mn
Yesterday, the Capital City Council held a meeting and approved the budget for Ulaanbaatar city for the year 2025. For 2025, it is estimated that the capital city Ulaanbaatar will collect 3,807.6 billion MNT in revenue. It is projected that 87.8% of the total revenue, which is 3.3 trillion MNT, will come from tax revenue, and the remaining 465 billion MNT will come from non-tax revenue. The city’s revenue is planned to increase by 648.9 billion MNT compared to this year, amounting to a 30.4% increase over this year’s expected performance. The city plans to generate this revenue by raising various types of taxes. Specifically, in 2025, it is expected that personal income tax will increase by 251.9 billion MNT, property tax by 107.7 billion MNT, and non-tax revenue by 351.1 billion MNT. Furthermore, fees for road usage and taxes on self-propelled vehicles are set to triple. As a result, the city aims to generate 85.9% of its total revenue, or 3,314.4 billion MNT, from tax revenue and 14.1% from non-tax revenue. Out of this, 73% will come from income tax, with 48.6% from personal income tax, 24.4% from corporate income tax, 6.7% from property tax, and 6.3% from other taxes. Additionally, starting next year, garbage fees are also set to increase. Specifically, the waste management service fees have been recalculated at a new rate for all districts, leading to a 37.2% increase in this particular fee compared to 2024.
B. Javkhlan: To Reduce the Budget, More Than 10 Laws Have Been Amended, Cutting Costs for Missions, Furniture, Equipment, and Tools by 50% Each
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: isee.mn
Minister of Finance B. Javkhlan presented Mongolia's 2025 budget proposal. He stated, "Yesterday, the government reworked and submitted the 2025 budget law. The parliament gave an order with a resolution to submit it by December 10, and we submitted it on time yesterday. The difference in the 2024-2025 budget compared to the budget submitted as of September 1 is 5.3 trillion tugriks. Of this, 1.7 trillion is based on expenditure for regional development infrastructure. Additionally, 3.5 trillion is due to changes in operating costs. Behind any operating cost, there are laws, regulations, operational programs, and measures. For example, in the Family, Labor, and Social Protection minister's package of 921 billion tugriks, it specifies increasing pension rates by 6%, spending 300 billion tugriks alone on this. It will take effect from January 1 of next year. Also, care allowances will increase by 6%, and welfare pensions by 6%. The amount of monetary aid given to mothers with the title of 'Honored Mother' has doubled. The salaries of government employees are being increased by 6% in line with inflation. However, as there is no legal provision for this, the government will adjust the budget accordingly. The agricultural sector is receiving a significant budget due to the implementation of significant programs such as the 'White Gold Program', 'Cooperative', and 'Food Revolution'. In past years, although some expenditures were already included in the legislation, they were pending and not included in the budget, totaling 4.6 trillion tugriks. Therefore, moving forward, the biggest challenge is to amend these pending legislations to cut operating costs and maintain a reduced budget. This year's budget submitted on September 1 focused on roads and energy, and it can be legally two percent in deficit. To pass a zero-deficit budget, we need to cut 1.9 trillion. This reduction requires cutting investments and operating costs, which means a 394 billion decrease in revenue. Combining these two expenses, a total of 2.3 trillion in costs must be cut. To reduce expenses, amendments are being made to more than 10 laws. Additionally, changes to the Budget Control Law include reducing training production practices by 50%, foreign mission expenses by 50%, transportation fuel expenses by 50%, furniture by 100%, and tools, equipment, domestic travel, and stationery by 50% each. The state budget investment and foreign loan utilization, previously budgeted at 6 trillion tugriks, has been reduced by 1.4 trillion.
Mongolian People's Party Group Meeting Discusses Next Year's Budget
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: isee.mn
The Draft Law to Amend the Law on the Framework Statement of the 2025 Unified Budget of Mongolia, the Budget Estimates for 2026-2027, the Law on the 2025 Budget of Mongolia, the Draft Law on Amending the Law on the 2025 Budget of the Social Insurance Fund, and the Draft Law on Amending the 2025 Budget of the Health Insurance Fund, as well as other related legislative projects, were urgently submitted yesterday by Prime Minister's Deputy and Minister of Economic Development L. Gantumur, Minister and Head of the Secretariat of the Government N. Uchral, and Minister of Finance B. Javkhlan. Today, the MPP group in the Parliament is meeting to discuss the 2025 budget proposal. Additionally, earlier this week, the parties' groups in the Parliament held meetings and listened to the presentation of the 2025 state budget proposal.
Total of 2.3 trillion expenses to be cut, revenue to decrease by 394 billion
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: news.mn
The Minister of Finance, B. Javkhlan, presented the revised 2025 budget. He stated, "There is a necessity to cut a total of 2.3 trillion tugriks in expenses. This means revenue will decrease by 394 billion tugriks. We had initially budgeted 26 trillion tugriks for total current expenses, but we did not touch 18 trillion tugriks of those expenses. We cannot cut the budget that has already been allocated. Projects cannot be stopped; the longer they take, the more it will cost the budget. We will save on low-priced furniture and technical equipment within our current expenses. From the remaining 9 trillion in expenses, we will cut 10 percent evenly."
Support Given to Discuss Amendments to the Law on Budget Projections
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: montsame.mn
Ulaanbaatar — At the meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Budget, they discussed whether to support the draft law on amendments to the law on the 2025 unified budget framework statement and 2026-2027 budget projections of Mongolia. The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Development of Mongolia, L. Gantumur, presented the project at the meeting, noting that "The President of Mongolia considers it appropriate to approve the budget efficiently, economically, and without deficit, thus vetoing the law on the 2025 budget of Mongolia in its entirety, which the Parliament accepted, annulling the law. Within the scope of approving the budget without deficit, it was required to reduce the budget expenditure by 2.3 trillion MNT, equivalent to 2.4% of GDP, and thereby decrease the budget revenue by 395 billion MNT, equivalent to 0.4% of GDP." Thus, a draft law was developed to amend the law on the 2025 unified budget framework statement and the 2026-2027 budget projections of Mongolia. In the draft law, the unified budget's balanced budget is anticipated to be deficit-free from 2025 to 2027, with a base surplus of 3.5% of GDP in 2025 and 2% of GDP in 2026-2027. Inflation was 7.9% by the end of 2023, and as of October this year, it was 7%. The government has accounted for an average inflation rate of 7.5% for 2025 in the budget framework statement, reducing the average inflation rate by 0.3 percentage points from the previous projection, calculating it to be 7.2% in the draft law accompanying the reduction of budget expenditures by 2.3 trillion MNT. A decrease in budget expenditures reduces demand-driven inflationary pressure, enlarging monetary policy space; however, risks remain with increased imported inflation due to geopolitical instability, climate change, and transport logistics disruptions. The year's national development plan approved by Parliament aimed for 8% economic growth in 2025, keeping GDP estimates unchanged in the budget framework statement. L. Gantumur explained they expect it to be possible to achieve the 8% economic growth planned in the national development plan despite some sectors' growth restrictions due to several influencing factors. For example, the import of industrial machinery, equipment for production, freight transport vehicles increased by 34% compared to the previous year, reaching around USD 2.9 billion, approximately 15% of nominal GDP, enhancing future economic potential capacity. This year, plans were to export 78 million tons of coal, and by December 3, 2024, coal exports have reached 78 million tons. If exports continue at this pace until the end of the year, they are anticipated to reach 83-84 million tons in 2024, exceeding the plan by 6-7%. They also set a target to export 83 million tons of coal in 2025, expecting to exceed the plan again. Copper concentrate exports have increased by approximately 9% compared to the same period last year. The mining sector grew by 11.4% in the first three quarters of this year. The import of heavy machinery used in the mining sector doubled compared to the previous year, and freight vehicle imports increased by 85%. This indicates expected growth in the mining and transport sectors in 2025. Trade and services sectors grew by 8.8% in the first three quarters this year. In these sectors, the number of businesses increased by 6.2%, employment by 13%, and loan issuance by 47%, providing conditions for stable growth in the services sector next year. The energy sector increased by 5.2% in the first three quarters of this year. The implementation of projects like the Boroogoot, Choibalsan plants, and Baganuur battery storage developments are expected to support economic potential capacity. The gradual non-delayed implementation of energy liberalization is projected to increase investments in this sector. The agricultural sector decreased by 8.9% in 2023 due to natural and weather influences and again by 25% in the first three quarters of 2024, but it is expected to start recovering from 2025, as noted in L. Gantumur's presentation. They anticipate that from next year, the agricultural sector will begin supporting economic growth. The result of exempting custom duties on equipment for food and agricultural production led to a 56% increase in the import of food production equipment this year. The growth of equipment imports and the recovery in the agricultural sector is expected to support growth in the processing sector. Opportunities emerging in these real sectors of the economy are expected to be fully utilized in 2025, enabling the achievement of the 8% economic growth target in the national development plan, as noted in the initiator's presentation. Following the presentation, members of the standing committee voted, and the majority of those present supported discussing the draft law on the 2025 unified budget framework statement and the 2026-2027 budget projections of Mongolia within the framework of its principles. Therefore, it was decided to present related proposals and conclusions to the plenary meeting, as reported by the Parliamentary Public Relations Department.
Parliament Supports Urgent Discussion of 2025 Budget Proposal Submitted Today
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: isee.mn
Today, the government submitted the 2025 budget proposal. Subsequently, the parliamentary session was convened and supported the urgent discussion of the 2025 budget proposal. Currently, the political party groups in the Parliament are meeting to consolidate their feedback on the 2025 budget proposal. Following the group meetings, relevant standing committees and parliamentary sessions will be convened. The initial 2025 budget proposal submitted in September was entirely vetoed by the President. Consequently, the government resubmitted the 2025 budget proposal. This proposal is scheduled to be discussed and approved by December 12, 2024, as the budgets of the capital, provinces, districts, and towns are pending.
Economy
Rio Tinto Raises Revenue and Profit Forecasts Due to Increased Oyu Tolgoi Production
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: itoim.mn
Australian mining giant Rio Tinto (RIO.AX) anticipates that its copper revenue for the financial year 2025 will increase due to a projected 50% rise in production at the Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia next year. Although Rio Tinto's profits are primarily derived from iron ore, the company has begun focusing on the copper sector through its projects in Oyu Tolgoi as well as collaborations with Codelco in Chile and First Quantum. The company aims to increase its annual copper production to one million tons by 2030, with a focus on high-quality copper as an essential raw material for energy transformation. Its goal is to become a major player in the clean energy supply chain. Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm stated, "We believe that demand for materials essential to the global energy transition will continue to grow, and we are implementing our strategy to build a stronger, more diversified, and growing business." Rio Tinto plans to increase its total capital expenditures in its 2025 budget to $11.0 billion, up from a forecast of $9.5 billion for 2024. In October, Rio Tinto agreed to purchase U.S.-based Arcadium Lithium for $6.7 billion, a strategic move that positioned it as the world's third-largest lithium producer, significantly boosting its involvement in the electric vehicle battery supply chain. The world's largest iron ore producer plans to produce 660,000-720,000 tons of copper in the financial year 2024, with an expected increase to 780,000-850,000 tons in 2025. Rio Tinto's Rincon start-up project in Argentina successfully achieved its first lithium production last week. Source: Reuters
Issuing Certificates of Origin for Goods Exported from Mongolia to Japan Electronically
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: unuudur.mn
Under the economic partnership agreement between Mongolia and Japan, relevant organizations of the two countries are organizing meetings and discussions aiming to increase foreign trade turnover and investment, reduce import tariffs, and facilitate the documentation process. They are listening to the suggestions and requests of businesses and working collaboratively with relevant authorities. As part of this collaboration, a decision has been made to issue certificates of origin for goods exported from Mongolia to Japan electronically. Initially, discussions were held to export approximately 5,700 types of goods across 97 categories from Mongolia to the Land of the Rising Sun under preferential conditions. Currently, customs tariffs on 3,429 types of products have been reduced by 59%. Starting from May next year, certificates of origin for these goods will be provided to suppliers in PDF format. This is expected to simplify customs clearance and improve trade turnover.
Rio Tinto Raises Revenue and Profit Forecasts with Increased Oyu Tolgoi Production
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: itoim.mn
Australian mining giant Rio Tinto (RIO.AX) expects its copper revenues to increase in the financial year 2025 due to a projected 50% increase in production at Mongolia's Oyu Tolgoi mine next year. While Rio Tinto's profits are mostly derived from iron ore, the company is shifting its focus toward the copper sector in the coming years through projects like the Oyu Tolgoi mine and collaborations with Codelco in Chile and First Quantum. The company aims to reach an annual copper production of one million tonnes by 2030, focusing on high-quality, essential raw materials like copper, which are crucial for energy transition. Rio Tinto aspires to be a major player in the clean energy supply chain. CEO Jakob Stausholm stated, "We are implementing our strategy to build a stronger, more diversified, and growing business, confident that the demand for critical materials required for the global energy transition will continue to grow." Rio Tinto plans to increase its total capital expenditure to $11.0 billion, up from the $9.5 billion projected for 2024 in its 2025 budget. In October, Rio Tinto agreed to purchase the US-based Arcadium Lithium for $6.7 billion, a strategic move that positions it as the world's third-largest lithium producer, significantly boosting its involvement in the electric vehicle battery supply chain. The company, the world's largest iron ore producer, plans to produce 660,000-720,000 tonnes of copper in the financial year 2024, with an estimate of 780,000-850,000 tonnes in the financial year 2025. Rio Tinto's Rincon startup project in Argentina successfully commenced its first lithium production last week. (Source: Reuters)
80,000 People Unemployed, 40,000 Jobs Without Workers
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: news.mn
The conference of executives in the Family, Labor, and Social Protection sector started today at the MNCCI. Over 180 executives representing 5,200 employees and specialists in the sector are participating in the consultative meeting. The minister of the sector, L. Enkh-Amgalan, highlighted that "the year 2025 will be a year to accelerate the systemic reform in our sector," alongside using artificial intelligence in the services provided by the sector. Family, Labor, and Social Protection Minister L. Enkh-Amgalan: - The joint government was established, and the name of the former Ministry of Labor and Social Protection was changed to the Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Protection to include family policy. In the past, social policies have not been family-centered. These policies have focused separately on elderly citizens, people with disabilities, children, and youth. However, the biggest social issue is the family issue. There is an imperative to carry out family-based social policies on employment, housing, health, education, and social protection. Every year, 20,000 young couples register their marriages, but about 17,000 families break up. Upon studying why these conditions have arisen, three major issues were identified. First, financial income problems faced by one in every three families. Second, employment. Third, housing. If these issues are not supported by the state, there is a real risk of declining family planning and childbirth. Thus, a shift in family-based policy is necessary. Housing policy should also be family-oriented. Families with housing want to live stably, work, and bear children. That's why our ministry is focusing on increasing the sources for the Accumulation Fund, increasing the availability of mortgage loans, and targeting specific groups. In the past, around 9 trillion MNT was spent on mortgage loans and 130,000 families received housing, yet young families, elderly, and disabled who are buying a home for the first time have not been reached. Therefore, the ministry has assigned to use the resources of the Accumulation Fund and the Pension Reserve Fund as stable financing sources for housing. Criticisms have emerged that social welfare in Mongolia is too extensive, spending a lot of money. People say that everyone is receiving welfare and has no interest in working. However, we need to make a correct assessment of this issue. On one side, 70-80 thousand people are unemployed nationwide, while on the other side, 30-40 thousand job positions can't find workers. How do we address the skills shortage emerging in the labor market? How will we restructure the social welfare policy regarding family and employment in the next four years? How will pension reform be conducted? These issues are the focus of today's consultations. Among the 14 mega projects declared by the government, the biggest reforms are the Wealth Fund and the Accumulation Fund, through which a stable financing system for housing will be created. There is a heavy load on the Pension Fund. Currently, this fund shoulders a new burden of 4.7 trillion MNT. Financing this burden from the state budget isn't feasible in the future. Thus, we must reform the pension system, creating a fund where people can receive pensions from multiple sources after retirement. We must also revisit the welfare policy. The state budget annually allocates 2.2 trillion MNT to welfare, with 1.6 trillion MNT going to children's money. Over the years, policies to increase the population, like children's money, awards for mothers, and salaries for mothers, have been implemented under the guise of welfare and are being criticized for its extent. Totaling 71 welfare benefits, we aim to streamline these to target the needed groups. In other words, those who should receive welfare should receive it, and those who should not should transition into employment. We will undertake legal reforms, updating the Family Law, Employment Law, Social Insurance Law package, and Social Welfare Law. Approximately 5,200 people are employed in this sector. Over the next four years, we are discussing and consulting on the tasks to be undertaken.
Rio Tinto Raises Revenue and Profit Forecasts Due to Increased Oyu Tolgoi Production
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: itoim.mn
Australian mining giant Rio Tinto (RIO.AX) expects its copper revenue to increase for the financial year 2025 due to a planned 50% increase in production at the Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia. Although Rio Tinto's profits are mainly derived from iron ore, the company is beginning to focus on the copper industry through projects like the Oyu Tolgoi mine, as well as collaborations with Codelco and First Quantum in Chile, in the coming years. The company aims to achieve an annual copper production of one million tons by 2030, targeting high-quality raw material copper, which is essential for energy transformation, with the objective of becoming a major player in the clean energy supply network. CEO Jakob Stausholm stated, "We believe the demand for essential materials for the global energy transition will continue to rise, and we are implementing our strategy to build a stronger, more diversified, and growing business." In its budget for 2025, Rio Tinto plans to increase its total capital expenditure from the forecasted $9.5 billion in 2024 to $11.0 billion. In October, Rio Tinto agreed to purchase US-based Arcadium Lithium for $6.7 billion, a strategic move that positions it as the world's third-largest lithium producer and significantly increases its participation in the electric vehicle battery supply chain. The world's largest iron ore producer estimates that it will produce 660,000-720,000 tons of copper for the financial year 2024, increasing to 780,000-850,000 tons for the financial year 2025. Rio Tinto's Rincon start-up project in Argentina successfully achieved its first lithium production last week. Source: Reuters
The city budget approved in 30 minutes will increase taxes, boosting revenue by 30.4%
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: itoim.mn
Yesterday, the City Council convened and approved the budget for the city of Ulaanbaatar for 2025. It has been estimated that in 2025, the capital city will generate 3,807.6 billion tugriks in revenue. Of the total revenue, 87.8 percent, or 3.3 trillion tugriks, is expected to come from tax revenue, with the remaining 465 billion tugriks coming from non-tax revenue. It has been approved to increase the city's revenue by 648.9 billion tugriks from this year. This is a 30.4 percent increase from this year's expected performance. It is planned that the city will gather this revenue by increasing all types of taxes. Specifically, in 2025, it is estimated that personal income tax will increase by 251.9 billion tugriks, property tax by 107.7 billion tugriks, and non-tax revenue by 351.1 billion tugriks. Moreover, the fee for road usage and the tax on self-propelled vehicles will be tripled. With these changes, 85.9 percent of the city's total revenue, or 3,314.4 billion tugriks, is expected to come from tax revenues, and 14.1 percent from non-tax revenues. Of this, 73 percent will be generated from income tax, with 48.6 percent from personal income tax, 24.4 percent from corporate income tax, 6.7 percent from property tax, and 6.3 percent from other taxes. In addition, starting next year, garbage fees are set to increase. Specifically, the waste service fees calculated with the new rates for all districts will result in this type of tax increasing by 37.2 percent compared to 2024.
Study on Increasing the Financing and Accessibility of Mortgage Loans
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: gogo.mn
The Minister of Urban Development, Construction, and Housing, J. Batsuuri, met with the Chinese Ambassador to Mongolia, Shen Minjuan. They exchanged ideas on collaborating to build high-quality, affordable housing in conjunction with the export of mining products. The Government of Mongolia has enacted the National Wealth Fund law, advancing a policy to provide housing to its citizens. The plan is to construct 150,000 housing units over the next four years. The mortgage loan for housing is aimed at first-time homebuyers such as young families, families with disabled members, and government officials relocating from the capital to rural areas. These target groups will be included in income-appropriate housing projects. To achieve these goals, the government plans to use all available domestic and international resources, including savings funds, the state budget, and international organization grants, to increase the financing and accessibility of mortgage loans. Minister J. Batsuuri discussed with Ambassador Shen Minjuan the possibility of linking the construction of affordable, quality housing with the export of mining products to foster cooperation. The Government of Mongolia has set a policy to improve housing affordability by planning to build 150,000 housing units over the next four years, as part of implementing the National Wealth Fund law. The mortgage loan for housing will prioritize young couples purchasing their first home, families with disabled individuals, and government employees moving from the capital to the countryside, to be accommodated in income-suitable housing. To implement these goals, the government intends to utilize all domestic and foreign resources available, including savings funds, state budget, and grants from international organizations, to enhance the financing and accessibility of mortgage loans.
B. Javkhlan: Proposing Three Types of Tax Policies to Support the Private Sector
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: itoim.mn
In connection with the submission of the draft budget for 2025, Finance Minister B. Javkhlan provided information. He said, "Yesterday, the government revised and submitted the draft Budget Law for 2025. In doing so, we revised it to meet the requirements mentioned in the President's veto and in the discussions. The difference between the 2024 and 2025 budgets is 5.3 trillion MNT as of September 1 of this year. Of this, 1.7 trillion will be spent on development projects, and 3.5 trillion will be allocated to operational expenses. Behind any operational expenses there are laws, activities, programs, and measures to be followed. To produce a deficit-free budget, we need to cut 2.3 trillion MNT in expenses. Revenue will decrease by 394 billion MNT. This means revenue from customs, social insurance contributions, and personal income tax will decrease. On the expenses side, there are social costs that should not be touched. Specifically: - Children's allowances: 1.6 trillion MNT - Health insurance fund: 2.3 trillion MNT - Social insurance fund: 5.9 trillion MNT - Interest payments: 1.3 trillion MNT - Base salaries: 6.6 trillion MNT - Benefits specified by law such as the 36-month pension for public servants, benefits for stable employment in rural areas, and other legal allowances total 0.5 trillion MNT. In total, the operational expense was budgeted for 26 trillion MNT, with 18 trillion MNT of expenses untouched. Additionally, small furniture and equipment expenses in the operational budget will be saved. The remaining 9 trillion MNT of expenses will be reduced by 10 percent. Out of the 38 new projects budgeted, 10 will be delayed. If we strictly adhere to the Budget Law, we should not include anything new without drawings and a feasibility study. Furthermore, we are proposing three types of tax policies to support the private sector. First, the customs duty on industrial equipment in the processing sector will be exempt, regardless of the industry. Second, if there is production mentioned in the priority sectors of regional development, corporate income tax will be reduced by 90 percent for the first five years. Third, private sector investments aimed at society will be eligible for tax relief up to 1 percent of their sales revenue.
B. Javkhlan: Three Kinds of Tax Policies to Support Private Enterprises
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: itoim.mn
Finance Minister B. Javkhlan provided information related to the submission of the 2025 budget proposal. He stated, "Yesterday, the government reworked and submitted the draft law on the 2025 Budget. This has been done to meet the requirements mentioned in the President's veto and during discussions. The difference in the 2024-2025 budget, as submitted on September 1st of this year, amounts to 5.3 trillion. Of this, 1.7 trillion will be allocated for development and 3.5 trillion for operational expenses. Behind every operational expenditure, there are laws, activities, programs, and measures. To produce a deficit-free budget, we need to cut 2.3 trillion MNT from expenditures. Revenue is expected to decrease by 394 billion MNT, with reduced income from customs, social insurance, and VAT. On the expenditure side, social costs that cannot be touched include: - Children's allowances: 1.6 trillion MNT - Health insurance fund: 2.3 trillion MNT - Social insurance fund: 5.9 trillion MNT - Interest payments: 1.3 trillion MNT - Salary base: 6.6 trillion MNT - 36-month allowances for public servants, stability allowances for work in rural areas, and other legal allowances total 0.5 trillion MNT. Initially, we budgeted 26 trillion MNT for total operational expenses, of which 18 trillion MNT remains untouched. Additionally, we will save on low-cost furniture and equipment in the operational expenses. Ten percent of the remaining 9 trillion MNT expenses will be cut. Out of 38 new projects planned, 10 will be postponed. Generally, to strictly adhere to the Budget Law, no project without a design, estimate, or feasibility study will be added. In addition, three types of tax policies are being proposed to support the private sector: 1. Exempt import duties on manufacturing equipment, regardless of business sector. 2. For industries highlighted in regional development priority sectors, offer a 90% reduction in corporate income tax for the first five years. 3. Provide tax deductions equivalent to up to 1% of sales income for private sector investments directed at social initiatives.
The City's Budget Approved in 30 Minutes Will Increase Revenue by 30.4% by Raising Taxes
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: itoim.mn
The City Council held a meeting and approved the budget for Ulaanbaatar city for the year 2025. It is estimated that in 2025, the city will collect 3,807.6 billion tugriks in revenue. Of the total revenue, 87.8% or 3.3 trillion tugriks will come from tax revenue, and the remaining 465 billion tugriks from non-tax revenue. The city's revenue is set to increase by 648.9 billion tugriks compared to this year. This represents a 30.4% increase over the expected execution of this year's revenue. The city plans to raise this revenue by increasing all types of taxes. Specifically, it is estimated that in 2025, income tax from individuals will increase by 251.9 billion tugriks, property tax by 107.7 billion, and non-tax revenue by 351.1 billion. Additionally, fees for road usage and the tax on self-propelled vehicles will be tripled. As a result, 85.9% of the total revenue, or 3,314.4 billion tugriks, will come from tax revenue, with the remaining 14.1% from non-tax revenue. Of this, 73% will be generated from income taxes, broken down as 48.6% from personal income tax, 24.4% from corporate income tax, 6.7% from property tax, and 6.3% from other taxes. Additionally, from next year, garbage collection fees will increase. The service fees for waste management have been recalculated with new tariffs across all districts, resulting in a 37.2% increase compared to the 2024 rates.
Planning to Increase the Funding and Accessibility of Mortgage Loans
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: isee.mn
The Ministry of Construction and Urban Development is planning to increase the funding and accessibility of mortgage loans by utilizing all available resources, both domestic and international, such as savings funds, the state budget, and grants from international organizations. This was noted by the Minister of Construction and Urban Development, L. Enkh-Amgalan, during a meeting with the Chinese ambassador to Mongolia, Shen Minjuan. He stated that the government has enacted a law for the National Wealth Fund and has set a policy to provide housing for citizens, planning to build 150,000 housing units over the next four years. The target groups for the housing mortgage program include young families buying their first home, families with individuals with disabilities, and government employees relocating from the capital to local areas, with plans to include them in affordable housing. The minister also requested studying collaboration opportunities in building quality, affordable housing in connection with the export of mining products. The Ministry of Construction and Urban Development and the Ulaanbaatar City Administration are working together to develop an integrated housing plan in accordance with the city's layout, which will be presented to the ambassador. Furthermore, they discussed enhancing the skills of specialists such as physiatrists and rehabilitation therapists at the Rehabilitation Development Center for Children with Disabilities, which was built with Chinese grant aid, according to the Ministry of Construction and Urban Development.
Millennium Challenge Account-Mongolia: Invitation for Selection of Independent Consultants
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: ikon.mn
Millennium Challenge Account-Mongolia: Invitation for Selection of Independent Consultants Millennium Challenge Account-Mongolia (MCA-Mongolia) invites applications from individual consultants to support social media management and promotion, and media and stakeholder engagement. Contract number: MCA-M/ICS/041-bc, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The Government of Mongolia and the United States Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) signed a Millennium Challenge Compact, providing a grant of $350 million to support economic growth and reduce poverty. The Government, through MCA-Mongolia, plans to allocate part of these funds to finance contracts with independent consultants associated with this announcement. The Compact program focuses on enhancing water supply infrastructure in Ulaanbaatar to meet increasing water demand. It comprises three main activities: 1. Downstream Wells: Developing new groundwater sources with necessary infrastructure. 2. Wastewater Recycling: Building a recycling plant to treat and repurpose wastewater. 3. Water Sector Sustainability: Policy reforms and capacity building for sustainable water supply. MCA-Mongolia now solicits applications from individuals with social media management experience to fill the following consultant positions: - One Consultant – Graphic Designer (to support social media promotion); - One Consultant – Videographer. Details regarding the terms, qualifications, and application requirements are specified in the Request for Application Document. Submissions from firms or companies are not accepted. Interested consultants should email "Request for RFA for Communication ICS-bc" with contact details to PA-Mongolia@charleskendall.com and cc procurement@mca-mongolia.gov.mn to receive the application link. Clarification requests should be submitted by December 12, 2024, and responses will be issued by December 13, 2024. Applications must be submitted electronically by December 16, 2024, at 2:00 pm Ulaanbaatar time. Late submissions will not be considered. Disclaimer: Media outlets (TV, radio, social media, websites) must cite ikon.mn when using this information.
Diplomacy
Mongolia to Join the Eurasian Economic Union This Month
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: isee.mn
In recent years, Russia has been overtly and covertly pressuring our country to join the Eurasian Economic Union. This topic is mentioned during every high-level visit and meeting, and there are reports that last winter's power outages and resulting difficult situations were related to such pressures. Now, it's reported in some media outlets that the Government of Mongolia is working to sign a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union by December, allowing over 300 types of goods and products to be imported without taxation. Foreign relations experts, researchers, academics, and economists oppose Mongolia's accession to this union. They argue that behind this agreement lies the danger that construction, food, and agricultural small and medium enterprises producing similar goods and products will have no opportunity to develop. Furthermore, Russia is currently under economic sanctions. Establishing a zero-tariff partnership agreement at such a time bears the risk of alienating Western investors. Moreover, looking at the foreign trade statistics of the five countries in the Eurasian Economic Union in 2023, the trade balance shows a deficit of 2.4 billion USD, with exports of 143 million USD worth of goods and imports of 2.5 billion USD worth of products. If the above agreement is made, the trade balance will inevitably worsen. When large and small countries remove tariffs, the larger one tends to benefit. The President of the United States has declared tariffs of 25-65% on Chinese goods to protect the national economy. Meanwhile, the opposite is happening here... Who will protect our authentic national manufacturers? SOURCE: ITOIM.MN
Opportunities for Mutually Beneficial Cooperation in Renewable Energy, Mining, and Tourism Sectors
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: unuudur.mn
Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene's visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Riyadh city is ongoing. He participated in the "Water Summit," organized within the framework of the 16th Conference of Parties of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. The summit is part of French President Emmanuel Macron's "One World" initiative proposed in 2017, with more than 10 heads of state and government, water ministers, and over 400 representatives from international and non-governmental organizations participating. They discussed a wide range of issues concerning international cooperation on transboundary waters and freshwater ecosystems, technical and nature-based solutions for water use, innovations, technology, and the possibilities for bridging the financing gap in the water and sanitation sectors. In his speech at the "Water Summit," Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene stated, "As a country that has joined the high-level ambition initiative of the '30x30' initiative, which unites 120 member countries to protect nature and our people, Mongolia is attending this meeting to express our voice. Our country is keen to develop responsible mining and collaborate with partners to improve water supply in arid and desert regions. In addition, we are implementing national projects and actions such as 'One Soum-One Lake,' '333 Lakes,' and the 'Billion Tree National Movement' to reduce the impact of desertification in the agricultural sector. We are ready to work closely with our global partners on water supply security and proper resource regulation," he emphasized. He also met with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, to discuss bilateral relations and cooperation as part of the visit. During this meeting, he introduced the government's program and goals for 2024-2028 and agreed to expand cooperation between the two countries in sectors like renewable energy, critical mineral resources, construction, urban development, agriculture, and environmental protection. In particular, both sides saw opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation in the renewable energy, mining, and tourism sectors in the near future.
Infrastructure
Starting the Construction of a Cross-Border Railway at Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: ikon.mn
If the construction of the cross-border railway at the Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod checkpoint begins, conditions for connecting other ports will be created. The Government of Mongolia and the Government of the People's Republic of China reached an agreement last month in Shanghai to jointly construct a bridge for the cross-border railway at the Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod checkpoint. The Chinese side is adhering to the principle of "Connecting one, linking another" for establishing railway ports, and if the construction of the cross-border railway at the Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod checkpoint is initiated, the condition for establishing the next railway port will be created. For instance, the Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed that the current position of the Development and Reform Committee is to focus on completing the railway at the Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod checkpoint as the first priority. The condition of the Mongolia-China border checkpoints: - Mongolia-China border checkpoints: Conversations started in 2008. - Government-to-government agreement on the regime of Mongolia-China border checkpoints. - Government-to-government agreement on the crossing points of the state border line. - Government-to-government memorandum on the establishment of cross-border facilities. - Feasibility study and detailed design for the cross-border railway. - Government-to-government agreement on the establishment of a cross-border railway. - Construction and development of the cross-border railway. Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod: Agreements reached in 2008, development initiated, feasibility study completed, detailed design underway.
Fault Occurs at "Amgalan" Thermal Power Plant
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: unuudur.mn
A fault occurred at the "Amgalan" thermal power plant, resulting in some residents of Bayanzurkh district's khoroos being without hot water and heating. The announcement "A fault occurred at the power plant, and heating and household hot water will be temporarily suspended" was delivered to the businesses of Bayanzurkh district. The fault was repaired, and the households' heating was reconnected during the night. Energy Minister B. Choijilsuren stated, "A minor fault occurred at the 'Amgalan' thermal power plant. It has been fully repaired. It did not affect the supply of electricity and heat to households." It seems to have become a routine occurrence for this plant's operations to falter. Most recently, in February, a fault resulted in the restriction of household hot water supply for an unspecified duration. This plant supplies heating to more than 50,000 households in Bayanzurkh district.
Resolved Compensation for Landowners in Apartment Housing Project
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: gogo.mn
Under the project to transform ger areas into residential apartments, compensation for 1,620 citizens' land has been resolved. The project is ongoing based on the "Selbe" sub-center in Sukhbaatar District's 14th khoroo and Chingeltei District's 14th and 18th khoroos, where land reclamation work continues. Within the framework of this project, 12,000 apartment units will be constructed on 158 hectares of land. To date, they have evacuated and resolved compensation for 1,620 citizens' land. N. Munkhbayar, Head of the Land Clearance Department of the City's Land Management Office, provided clarification on the progress. He stated that land clearance is being organized on 158 hectares of the Sukhbaatar District’s 14th khoroo and Chingeltei District’s 14th and 18th khoroos, in line with the law on reducing traffic congestion in Ulaanbaatar City and transforming ger areas into residential apartments as part of the "Selbe" sub-center project. A survey conducted on March 18th among citizens affected by this initiative revealed that 96.5% of respondents supported the project, prompting the commencement of land clearance work with compensation. To date, agreements have been signed with 1,633 citizens affected by this initiative. Out of these, compensation funds for 1,620 citizens have been resolved through 30 orders from the City's Governor. In the 14th khoroo of Sukhbaatar District, where work is currently ongoing, the first phase tender for the "Selbe" sub-center has been issued, and cleaning services have been conducted on some sites, with demolition underway in others. A notable aspect of the "Selbe" sub-center land clearance is that citizens can leave behind the foundations of buildings, and worn-out structures need not be demolished. Ulaanbaatar City arranges for professional organizations to clean the fences, gers, building foundations, and remaining waste from households that have vacated their land.
Vehicle Registration Process in Ulaanbaatar
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: itoim.mn
License plates will be normally issued without specific criteria for vehicles that have little impact on traffic congestion. To reduce traffic congestion in Ulaanbaatar, the City Council adopted a resolution limiting the number of license plates issued in the capital to 730,000. Consequently, starting from November 8th, a resolution was set to stop issuing new city numbers for imported cars. In doing so, license plates for private vehicles and cargo vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tons will be issued based on certain criteria. However, for vehicles that have little impact on the main street traffic and congestion of the city, license plates will be issued normally without applying these criteria. Specifically, this includes: - Motorcycles - Mechanisms - Locomotives - Trailers - Tankers - Special purpose vehicles - Buses and other vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tons License plates for these vehicles will be issued normally at inspection and diagnostic centers such as 22's checkpoint, Da Khuree, Tasganii Ovoo, Songino Khairkhan, Autocom, etc., from December 2nd.
N. Munkhbayar: 137 residents' land near Khaan Material has been compensated and vacated. 3,000 apartments will be built
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: ikon.mn
According to the special permission of the MPA agency, it is planned to build 3,000 apartments on 9.8 hectares in the area of Khaan Material, 5th khoroo, Songinokhairkhan district. Land clearance is ongoing in this framework. N. Munkhbayar, head of the Land Clearance Department of the City Land Management Office, stated, "In connection with the adoption of the law on reducing traffic congestion in Ulaanbaatar and converting ger districts to apartments, which was enacted in December 2023, the land clearance procedures were approved by the government in March this year based on social necessity. Within this scope, the project to vacate land from 232 citizens and businesses for building 3,000 apartments on 9.8 hectares in Khaan Material, 5th khoroo, Songinokhairkhan district, is being organized. Up to today, by order of the Capital City Mayor for 10 rounds, agreements were made with 137 citizens, and the land was vacated with compensation. The evaluation of property value and negotiation with the remaining 95 citizens continue. Despite the arrival of winter, negotiations with the citizens concerning land clearance will not stop." Next year, it is planned to finance 97 new projects and measures totaling 1.7 trillion MNT from the capital city budget, 68 transferring projects and measures, and 263 projects and measures extending into the next year, with a total financing of 2.9 trillion MNT. Warning: Media organizations (TV, Radio, Social Media and Websites) should note that when using our information in any form, either completely or partially, their sources must be cited as (ikon.mn).
Society
National Campaign to Combat Gender-Based Violence Launched
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: montsame.mn
A 16-day campaign to combat gender-based violence has been launched in Mongolia. Organized by the Government of Mongolia and the National Committee on Gender with the support of the United Nations Population Fund, the campaign adopts the global motto "Unite to End Violence Against Girls and Women." In our country, it was officially launched nationally under the slogan "Girls and Women Safe Everywhere—No Excuses." The 16-day campaign against gender-based violence is held each year from November 25 to December 10 and was first initiated in our country by the National Center Against Violence in 1997. The opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Justice and Home Affairs O. Altangerel, Member of Parliament A. Ariunzaya, Secretary-General and Head of the National Committee on Gender T. Enkhbayar, UN Resident Coordinator in Mongolia Tapan Mishra, and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the European Union to Mongolia Ina Marciulionyte, among other officials.
Russia and China provided the most tourists
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: unuudur.mn
As of the 3rd of this month, our country has received 766,243 tourists, according to the Professional Association of Tourism. As a result, we have achieved 76.6% of our goal of receiving one million tourists as part of the "Visit Mongolia Year" initiative. Last year, more than 651,000 travelers came to Mongolia. Currently, we have welcomed 115,000 more tourists compared to that, and experts estimate that the number will exceed 800,000 by the end of the year. Categorizing these tourists by country, those from our northern and southern neighbors, as well as from South Korea, dominate. Specifically, 26.5% of all travelers, or 203,788 people, came from Russia, followed by 202,000 from China, and 190,182 from South Korea. In 2023, the majority of people coming to visit our country were Russians and South Koreans. However, this year, the flow of tourists from our southern neighbor has significantly increased, ranking second in number.
Environment
In Ulaanbaatar, Efforts to Reduce Carbon Emissions and Provide Clean Energy Are Being Studied
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: isee.mn
At today's government meeting, Minister of Mongolia and head of the Cabinet Secretariat N. Uchral introduced some measures to reduce carbon emissions and supply clean energy in Ulaanbaatar city. The population of Ulaanbaatar has increased by 27% over the past 10 years and is projected to exceed 2.5 million by 2030. 80% of Ulaanbaatar's air pollution comes from household stoves in ger districts and boilers of enterprises and organizations, 10% from more than 500,000 vehicles on the road, and the remaining percentage from thermal power plants, ash ponds, road dust, open waste, and other sources. Although specific measures aimed at reducing air pollution have been implemented in the past years, the desired results have not been achieved. As of today, the CO2 greenhouse gas emission level in Ulaanbaatar exceeds the permissible level by 30.7%, posing a risk to citizens' health. Therefore, it is being studied that one way to reduce greenhouse gases in Ulaanbaatar quickly is to implement internationally tested projects and programs with advanced technology, substituting carbon emissions with new sources of clean energy. Most cities around the world have proven that liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is clean, safe, accessible, harmless, and more efficient as a source of thermal energy. The project can be implemented in three phases in the ger districts of Ulaanbaatar. In connection with the presentation, the government meeting tasked Minister of Energy B. Choijilsuren and Mayor of Ulaanbaatar H. Nyambaataar with studying and introducing the issue of building independent decentralized energy sources in Ulaanbaatar, increasing the installed capacity, and providing households in ger districts with an energy source based on advanced technology, other than improved briquettes.
Live: A protest against pollution - 'We Want to Breathe' - is happening in the central square
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: isee.mn
In the central square, citizens are expressing their opinions and organizing a peaceful protest called 'We Want to Breathe'. This protest is initiated by citizen Ch. Ganjavkhlan and aims to address several demands concerning pollution to the Parliament. Therefore, we asked the citizens organizing this protest to clarify some details about it. WATCH LIVE:
Will Fund Projects to Adapt to Climate Change
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: unuudur.mn
The Asian Development Bank and "KhasBank" LLC have signed a financing package worth 50 million US dollars. This package consists of 40 million from the Asian Development Bank and a concessional loan of 10 million from the Canadian Climate Fund for the Private Sector in Asia. At least 70% of the financing package is intended for projects that adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The remainder will be used to provide loans to micro, small, and medium enterprises, particularly those owned or led by women. Bargav Dasgupta, the vice president responsible for market solutions at the Asian Development Bank, highlighted that they are collaborating with "KhasBank" to help protect Mongolia from the effects of climate change.
A 5.2 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Khanh Soum
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: isee.mn
An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.2 struck the area of Khanh Soum in Khuvsgul Province at 6:16 in the morning. According to the Academy of Sciences' Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, the epicenter of the earthquake was located 10 km east of the center of Khanh Soum, 91 km northeast of the center of Renchinlkhumbe Soum, and 102 km east of the center of Tsagaannuur Soum.
An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.2 occurred in Khuvsgul Aimag, Khankh Soum
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: gogo.mn
An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.2 on the Richter scale occurred in Khuvsgul Aimag, Khankh Soum, at 06:16:56 Ulaanbaatar time on December 5. Geographic location (Latitude, Longitude): 51.54, 100.79 Earthquake strength (magnitude): 5.2 Location of occurrence: Khankh Soum area, Khuvsgul Aimag Proximity to nearby aimags and soums from the earthquake center: - 10 km east of Khankh Soum center, Khuvsgul Aimag - 91 km northeast of Renchinlkhumbe Soum center, Khuvsgul Aimag - 102 km east of Tsagaannuur Soum center, Khuvsgul Aimag Steps to prevent earthquake hazards and actions to take during disasters: 1. Identify safe areas - The safest place in a building is usually at the corner near a load-bearing wall. Identify 3-4 points in the home that are considered the safest and inform all household members. Also, determine the safe areas at workplaces, schools, kindergartens, etc., where most of the time is spent. 2. Secure furniture and belongings - Secure large furniture items to the wall to prevent injury. Do not place furniture that can block exits, and prevent glass items from breaking. Do not place objects that could fall onto the bed during sleep. 3. Participate in training and drills - Attend training organized on earthquake topics. Conduct evacuation drills from your dwelling. Teach others what you have learned. 4. Prepare an emergency kit - Stock up on matches, candles, flashlights, long-lasting high-calorie food, water, cooking tools, a radio, a first aid kit, hygiene supplies, and warm clothes at home. Keep copies of important documents in a waterproof place. Ensure everyone knows where these items are stored and how to use them. 5. Set a meeting time and place - In case of loss of phone and electrical communication due to an earthquake, designate a meeting place with family members. 6. When you feel the tremor - If indoors, turn off electricity, gas, and water lines, and wait in a safe place. After the shaking stops, calmly leave the area and go to a safe area. 7. 1-2 minutes after - Once the shaking subsides, check and put out any potential fire sources, confirm your family's safety. Do not use elevators. If in a mountainous area, beware of falling rocks and landslides. If outside, be cautious of collapsing fences, signs, or falling broken items. 8. 3 minutes!!! - Verify people's safety, prevent fire outbreaks. If a fire breaks out nearby, loudly alert others and take fire extinguishing measures. 9. 5 minutes !!! - When evacuating, recheck the gas stove pipe and electrical shut-off lever, rescue injured or wounded people, provide first aid, and carefully listen to news broadcast by public media. 10 minutes later - Work together to put out any fires, participate in rescue and emergency operations, do not fall for rumors, gather damage reports, and be cooperative and supportive.
Innovation
Mongolian Engineer's Smokeless Stove Approved by World Intellectual Property Organization
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: news.mn
Air pollution has become the most pressing issue, reaching the level of national security concern. A Mongolian engineer has created a smokeless stove that is gaining recognition in Mongolia and around the world. We sat down for a few moments with engineer Ts. Munkhbaatar to discuss this development. - We've heard that you've invented a smokeless stove, and it seems like everyone is quite fascinated and interested. Since air pollution is currently the most pressing danger for Mongolians, it looks like your technology has garnered significant public interest? - Mongolians used to have no concept of what a smokeless stove was. They are just now beginning to understand that there is a stove that burns smoke. I have been working for over 10 years to implement this technology in my homeland. Our "Nomadic Eco" stove is a dual-combustion stove that burns the smoke again, reducing emissions. Simply put, when the smoke is supposed to go up the chimney, instead of sending it directly there, we inject air for a second burn process. This concept has been confirmed through numerous tests to work with brown coal, improved fuels, and other combustible materials to make them smokeless. The Mongolian Intellectual Property Organization, Standards and Metrology, and the National Academy of Sciences, along with the Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, have all officially registered and certified this technology after it passed their criteria. Government entities typically allow 9800 mg/nm3 for nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter, while our stove achieves 3169 mg/nm3. You can see the difference in the performance from this. - We heard that your invention was registered by the World Intellectual Property Organization? - Yes, this technology is registered and recognized by the World Intellectual Property Organization. We have patents from more than 60 countries, including Russia and China. Those countries have also shown great interest in our technology for collaboration, but since I'm a Mongolian, I want to implement it in my homeland first before entering the international market. - Have there been any studies on the economic benefits for households using this stove? - Of course. The main point of using our "Nomadic Eco" stove is that it prevents carbon monoxide poisoning and saves fuel, providing economic savings. In a regular stove, if you burn improved fuel, 50% turns into smoke and escapes into the atmosphere, but our stove burns that smoke again to produce additional heat. A family can use a 25 kg sack of fuel for two and a half days with our stove, which leads to economic savings. I've been developing this stove for over 10 years. In 2023, we improved the stove to include a pot holder for cooking, so you can cook and produce heat simultaneously with very little fuel. The main takeaway is the prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning. Currently, it is estimated that there are 4.8 billion stoves for domestic use worldwide. In Mongolia alone, there are more than 500,000 stoves in use in both rural areas and Ulaanbaatar. I've traveled and developed the stove for over a decade, including internationally. Various global organizations, including the World Intellectual Property Organization, have researched this invention in their laboratories and finally accepted it. Therefore, we are now producing not only stoves for domestic heating but also portable and commercial versions. Apart from smoke, another major global issue is waste. Around the world, there is an active search for solutions to handle waste. We have developed a stove that incinerates waste without smoke and have introduced it gradually. There are predictions of many beneficial outcomes, such as using the ash from burnt waste to produce building materials and generating energy.
Report: Warm Bus Stop with High-Speed Internet
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: gogo.mn
In the freezing cold winter, children and adults who need to go to school or work often have to wait for buses for hours. In our capital, which is considered one of the coldest cities, a small yet useful development project has started: the "warm bus stop." This good initiative, driven by citizens and private sectors to urge others, has begun implementation at two bus stop locations moving forward and backward from 120 Myangat. The main point is that it provides comfort with features such as high-speed internet, essential for everyone, air conditioning that blows hot or cold air, making it comfortable even in summer. It has floor heating, triple-glazed windows, beautiful lighting that illuminates elegantly at night, 24-hour interior and exterior surveillance cameras, a coded door, and seats inside for citizens' convenience. When asking for comments from locals there, one resident stated, "It's really cold around here by the Middle River, and winter is generally a test of patience. Especially, it’s tough to see children standing in the cold for a long time. Thankfully, we have a warm and cozy bus stop now." There were also many students waiting for the bus to go to their classes. A 7th-grade boy waiting for the bus shared his thoughts: "By the time school ends, my phone’s battery is usually dead. But here, I can charge my phone and use the internet. Especially when I’m late, I often need to talk to my parents. This bus stop is really useful." Besides being warm and convenient, it has free high-speed internet provided by Unitel, allowing people to search for the information they need online, recharge their cards, and check when the next bus is coming while waiting for the bus.
Arts
PHOTO: "Center for Mongolian Cultural Studies" opened at the University of Parma, Italy
Published: 2024-12-05 | Translated from: isee.mn
In line with the goal outlined in the Mongolian Government's 2020-2024 Action Program, "to establish Mongolian cultural centers at universities and research institutions worldwide to promote Mongolian language and culture internationally," the "Center for Mongolian Cultural Studies" was officially opened at the University of Parma in the Republic of Italy. This follows the establishment of a similar center at the University of Florence. Founded in 1412, the University of Parma now hosts a center dedicated to promoting Mongolian language and cultural heritage globally, advancing Mongolian studies, and strengthening cultural exchange between Mongolia and Italy. The center will play a crucial role in expanding the activities of research institutions working in the field of Mongolian studies, improving the quality of research work, and contributing significantly to the training of specialists. The "Center for Mongolian Cultural Studies" will also be a key driver in successfully implementing the cultural cooperation agreement between the governments of Mongolia and Italy, thus further expanding the cultural relations and collaboration between the two nations into the future.
Member discussion