Dec 17, 2024 71 min read Daily News Summaries

Mongolia News Summary for December 17, 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 MongolBeat or its members.

Today's Stories

Politics

Event: Discussion on the Draft Law on Foreign Investment to be Held

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: ikon.mn

At the Chinggis Khaan National Museum from 09:00 to 13:00, a scholarly conference titled "Language and Literature Studies-2024" will be organized in honor of the 160th anniversary of the birth of Onkhodyn Jamyan, the first director of the Institute of Manuscripts. At the State Palace at 10:00, the factions of the Democratic Party (DP) and the Mongolian People's Party (MPP) within the State Great Khural (Parliament) will hold meetings. At the Bayalag-Undraa food market of the Narantuul Trade Center at 10:30, a task force established by the order of Deputy Prime Minister S. Amarsaikhan will conduct a joint inspection and control to check the quality and safety of products supplied for the food needs of Ulaanbaatar city's residents. In the "B" hall of the Ministry of Health at 11:00, a briefing will be given on the influenza and influenza-like illness situation. At the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) from 11:00 to 12:30, a discussion on the draft law on foreign investment will be held. At the "National Information Center" at 11:30, leading economist B. Osorgarav and other economists will give a briefing on the question of whether it is right to borrow and spend 1.4 billion USD to dig into the strictly protected Bogd Khan Mountain, and what funds will be used to build a city at the base of Mount Bogd in the future. Warning: Media outlets (TV, Radio, Social Media, and Websites) are reminded that if they use our information fully or partially, they must cite their source as (ikon.mn).

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O.Adya: Passing the Foreign Investment Law will be the first step to restoring investor confidence

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Today, a discussion on the "Foreign Investment Law" draft took place at the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. J. Jargalsaikhan, the executive director of the Defacto Institute, stated, "From 1997 to 2000, there was a Foreign Investment Law. Now, Mongolia is different. Major foreign investment is needed for the projects our country is trying to undertake. Investors demand political and business stability over any benefits or incentives. Therefore, it became necessary to specifically address foreign investment. The draft law consists of five sections." The executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Mongolia, O. Adya, highlighted that passing the Foreign Investment Law will be the first step in sending a signal that investor confidence will be restored. Brief introduction to the law: Objective of the law: The aim is to support the economic growth of Mongolia by relying on foreign direct investment, protect the rights and legitimate interests of foreign investors within Mongolia's territory, promote and encourage foreign investment, and regulate relations linked to investment management. State support: To pursue an open policy towards foreign investment. To encourage and promote foreign investors to invest in the territory of Mongolia. To establish and improve the system for supporting foreign investment. To create an open and favorable investment environment that is stable, transparent, predictable, and balanced. Principles of the Foreign Investment Law draft: To ensure a stable legal environment for investments. To uphold the rule of law and ensure laws are implemented consistently and unequivocally. Not to apply laws retroactively if they degrade the rights and interests of investors. To strictly fulfill contract obligations. To be open, transparent, prompt, and electronic. Outcomes: To establish the legal framework to finance 14 mega projects. To create conditions for sustained economic growth. To expand the tax base and increase budget revenue. To improve the investment climate index and enhance competitiveness. To expand infrastructure and increase the efficiency of supply chains consisting of small and medium-sized businesses. Warning Media organizations (TV, radio, social media, and websites) should always cite their source (ikon.mn) when using our information in any form, either entirely or partially.

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Can the Coalition Government Solve its Long-standing Mining Issues?

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: itoim.mn

The Mongolian People's Party (MPP), despite acquiring a sufficient number of seats in the regular parliamentary elections, formed a coalition government with the Democratic Party (DP) and the National Labor Party (NLP). This decision is explained as an attempt to put an end to excessive politicization and to introduce a new political culture where parties recognize and work with each other respectfully. In other words, they declared prioritizing national interests over party interests. But has this coalition government taken any significant steps to address the long-standing issues facing the mining and investment environment? At least initially, instead of making major policy changes in the legal environment, the government strives to address longstanding tax and judicial disputes in the industry and mineral wealth sectors, which have long stalled and deterred foreign investment. This is a positive move. For example, the court dispute related to the 49% purchase of the "Erdenet" mining corporation, which plays a crucial role in generating national revenue, has been ongoing for eight or nine years. During this time, there have been multiple parliamentary and presidential elections, giving the issue a political hue. This phenomenon is highly detrimental to the investment environment, amplifying the negative image that investing in Mongolia is risky and that disputes with the Mongolian government are hard to resolve or understand. Therefore, the Coalition Government has no choice but to pay special attention to this matter initially. Specifically, at the end of last month, the head of the government issued directive number 125 to reestablish a working group responsible for negotiations concerning the 49% ordinary shares of Erdenet Mining Corporation LLC and Mongolrostsvetmet LLC. This working group is led by the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Ts. Tuvaan, and includes Deputy Head, the Justice and Internal Affairs Minister O. Altangerel, as well as members such as the Finance Minister B. Javkhlan, the Deputy Governor of the Bank of Mongolia, and other high-ranking officials. Reports indicate that the working group is focusing on addressing the issues practically rather than politically, and negotiations are reportedly proceeding relatively smoothly. For instance, instead of trying to delay things as before, the government side is now prioritizing mutual understanding during the ongoing dispute. Consequently, as the court dispute is entering its final stages, the government has begun paying compensation to the "Mongolian Copper Corporation" in phases. By resolving this years-long dispute between the state and the private sector, not only does it ease the investment climate but it also positively impacts the tax environment and sector development. However, whether the issue with the 49% acquisition of "Erdenet" was part of a political game in which a national company was sacrificed after making a bold significant investment in the mining sector, or whether it was due to complications and delays caused by foreign partners, or simply a result of temporary conflicts due to the interests of a few influential domestic politicians, will soon be clarified. At that time, we may witness a significant shift in the political and business environment. In addition to the "Erdenet" issue, the working group is also aiming to favorably resolve the tax dispute involving Oyu Tolgoi. If the parties can resolve disputes connected to this major internationally-focused project quickly, Mongolia will receive a positive assessment on the international stage. It will be seen favorably. For instance, it is crucial for our country to participate in the annual international mining exploration and development convention (PDAC) held in Toronto, Canada with a significantly different approach than in previous years, demonstrating our own methods and solutions, and holding a substantial position that attracts the attention of major players. In order to achieve this, there needs to be consensual dialogue, a preparedness for modern shifts, and clearer cooperation. Whether these conditions can be met depends directly on the efforts of the Coalition Government, the cultural awareness of political leaders, and the mutual understanding of the parties involved in major mining projects.

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Director of UBUMD Detained for Receiving Bribes from Construction Companies

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

The director of the Urban Development and Construction Ministry (UBUMD), D. Gantulga, has been detained for 30 days by court order. He is accused under the Criminal Code section 22.4-2, which pertains to public officials receiving large amounts of bribes in return for carrying out their duties in the interest of the bribe giver. Prosecutors have charged him with this offense. Gantulga, who was serving as the head of the Building and Building Material Policy and Regulation department at UBUMD, is alleged to have abused his position to receive bribes from construction companies. According to the information available, he allegedly gave preferential treatment to "Orchlon Consulting" and "Orchlon Construction" LLC, companies founded by a single individual, and is accused of acquiring real estate in the name of an affiliated person from the leadership of these companies. He is also under investigation for allegedly receiving cash bribes from the management of "Global Bridge" LLC. During searches of Gantulga's home and office, law enforcement reportedly seized large amounts of cash, several real estate certificates, and agreements related to the purchase of apartments with some of the aforementioned companies.

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Case of "state secret leakage" involving D. Gan-Erdene will be re-tried in the first instance court

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: isee.mn

D. Gan-Erdene, who simultaneously held the positions of head of the Government's oversight unit and the internal control unit, was previously reported to be involved in a case concerning the leakage of state secrets. This case went all the way to the Supreme Court, but the court refused to hear it in a supervisory hearing. Consequently, D. Gan-Erdene, who was fined 650,000 tugriks by the first instance court for leaking state secrets, will have his case reconsidered by the first instance court. The related court hearing is scheduled to take place today in the Criminal Court of First Instance of Chingeltei District. In connection, it is noted that Article 19.13 of the Criminal Code, "Leakage of State Secrets," states: "If a person entrusted with, or by virtue of their position has knowledge of, state top secret information, documents, or items, and violates established procedures concerning their handling, leading to their leakage, they shall be fined between 450 and 14,000 units, or face restriction of movement for six months to three years, or be sentenced to imprisonment for six months to three years."

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The Parliamentary Privilege of D. Tsogtbaatar Begins to Be Compromised

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: news.mn

The Supreme Court of Mongolia issued a decision regarding the case involving 80 individuals and four legal entities related to the Development Bank. As a result, the cases of parliament members N. Altankhuyag and M. Naidalaa are set to undergo further investigation. Additionally, the parliamentary privilege of member D. Tsogtbaatar has begun to be compromised. The reason is that the Supreme Court found D. Tsogtbaatar guilty of granting preferential treatment to 'Mon Dulaan', 'Gaz Import', and 'Beren' LLCs while serving as a department director at the Development Bank. Specifically, the lower court concluded that he abused his official position to provide these companies with advantages, sentencing him to a fine of 20 million tugriks and revoking his eligibility for public office for two years. The Supreme Court upheld this decision as well-founded. Consequently, the issue of suspending D. Tsogtbaatar's parliamentary privilege is slated for discussion in Parliament. According to Article 9.1-5 of the Law on Parliament, parliamentary privilege can be terminated prior to the term defined in Article 7.3 if it is established through a legally binding court decision that a member committed a criminal offense. As such, depending on when Parliament addresses and resolves this issue, a by-election could be announced in the first electoral district, encompassing Arkhangai, Uvurkhangai, and Bayankhongor provinces. Parliament member N. Altankhuyag, who was previously accused in connection with the Development Bank case, was exonerated by the lower courts. However, the Supreme Court annulled this decision and ordered a retrial. As a result, N. Altankhuyag is now required to undergo further investigation. He faced allegations of abusing his power and official position to purchase roads constructed by 'Gobi's Road' LLC using Development Bank funds and to issue loans to 'Beren' LLC during his tenure as Prime Minister. Despite being cleared by two lower courts, the Supreme Court has decided to reopen the investigation, a decision that N. Altankhuyag attributes to political pressure in connection with the upcoming presidential election. N. Altankhuyag commented, "For the past three years, they have been dragging N. Altankhuyag through this Development Bank case. Now they intend to drag me through it for another three years to prevent me from running in the presidential election. Both lower courts found no evidence of bribery and ruled that charging me under a government resolution was inappropriate. Yet the Supreme Court decided to reopen the case. It's simply harassment. If they keep doing this, I wonder if it's worth the fight. Why prepare for the 2027 presidential election so early?" Furthermore, Parliament member M. Naidalaa was previously exonerated by lower courts but is now subject to renewed investigation by the Supreme Court, which deemed that the case facts were not properly established. He was accused of abusing his position as an independent board member of the Development Bank to support a decision that caused losses of 44.3 billion tugriks to the state by facilitating a loan of 22.7 million USD to 'Beren Group'. Thus, the parliamentary privileges of one out of the 126 members are being questioned, while two others face ongoing legal proceedings.

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Party Meetings in the Parliament

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: gogo.mn

Introducing the schedule and discussion topics for today’s meetings of party caucuses and working committees in the State Great Khural of Mongolia. 1. PARTY CAUCUS MEETINGS 1. Meeting of the Mongolian People’s Party caucus in the State Great Khural
- Time: 10.00
- Venue: “General D. Sukhbaatar”
2. Meeting of the Democratic Party caucus in the State Great Khural
- Time: 10.00
- Venue: “Great Khaan Chinggis”
2. WORKING COMMITTEE MEETINGS (I) 1. Ethics and Procedure Standing Committee
- Meeting of the working committee tasked with formulating recommendations to improve the legal environment for ensuring the independent and impartial operation of the Ethics Council and its sub-committees concerning the implementation of the Law on Ethics of Public Officials
- Time: 15.00
- Venue: “General D. Sukhbaatar”
2. Meeting of the working committee established by Decree No. 12 of the Speaker of the State Great Khural in 2024
- To oversee the implementation of Resolution No. 07 dated 12 January 2023 of the State Great Khural regarding the establishment of “New Kharkhorum” city in the Orkhon Valley and to support its development by familiarizing with the operations of the administration responsible for the city’s development
- Time: 13.00
- Venue: Administration’s office responsible for New Kharkhorum city development issues
3. Meeting of the working committee established by Decree No. 83 of the Speaker of the State Great Khural in 2024
- To familiarize with the implementation of the Law on Permits and to provide relevant recommendations and conclusions along with drafting the law
- Time: 13.30
- Venue: “Ikh Tsasag”
4. Meeting of the working committee established by Decree No. 109 of the Speaker of the State Great Khural in 2024
- Tasked with drafting the revised project of the Law on the Rights of Children and providing recommendations and conclusions in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child
- Time: 14.00
- Venue: “Constitution”

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Economy

75.2% of Investor Complaints Remain Unresolved

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The government is drafting a new version of the Investment Law. This work is being led by Member of Parliament and Deputy Prime Minister T. Dorjhand, with the involvement of the Ministry of Economy and Development, and major organizations representing domestic and foreign investment and business, including the American Chamber of Commerce in Mongolia (AmCham). Deputy Prime Minister's advisor B. Munkhdul presented this at a discussion on the Foreign Investment Law draft today. In the draft law, "Investment" is specifically clarified as "Foreign Investment." A proposal has been made to remove the $100,000 minimum requirement for foreign investors. This is because foreign owners often establish a company with this amount and then withdraw it without fulfilling the main purpose and objectives. Instead, a requirement has been proposed for foreign investors to have a threshold in their visa to reside long-term in Mongolia. Foreign investment is highly dependent on a stable legal, political, and business environment, and on mechanisms that fairly, openly, and transparently protect the complaints, disputes, and rights of investors. The underdeveloped economic structure is one reason for declining investments. Additionally, the reasons for decreased investment include the undeveloped economic structure, few export products, lack of advanced processing, and low added value, and the failure to fully resolve investor complaints. For instance, out of 109 complaints, 24.8% have been resolved, while 75.2% await resolution. Last year, $3.5 billion in investment entered our country, with $2.5 billion from the "Oyu Tolgoi" company and about $1 billion from other sectors. The mining sector attracts the most interest from foreign investors. Foreign investors are currently evaluating the draft of the Minerals Law, so the Ministry of Industry needs to focus on this. As of the first quarter of 2023, there are a total of 246,800 registered entities in the country's legal entity registry, of which 9,350 companies and businesses are foreign-invested. From 1990 to 2023, a total of 14,836 foreign-invested businesses have been registered, of which 5,486 have been liquidated. Of these, 33% were liquidated between 2010 and 2022.

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The Policy of Becoming More Dependent on Mining is Being Implemented Through the Budget

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: news.mn

Economist and researcher R. Davaadorj gave an interview on current issues. – The President objected to the entire budget of Mongolia for 2025 approved by the Parliament, causing the Government to rework and submit a deficit-free budget, which the Parliament has now passed. What is your assessment of the revised budget? – The Mongolian Government submitted the 2025 budget to the Parliament on August 30, 2024, and it was finalized on November 8. The total expenditure of Mongolia’s budget was 18 trillion MNT in 2022 and expanded to 35.8 trillion MNT by 2025, which is a 100% increase over three years. However, the President vetoed the budget, stating it did not fully meet the principles of the Budget and Fiscal Stability Law, was not aligned with state monetary policy, and was not planned to be efficient or frugal. For the first time, the budget was re-discussed twice and finalized on December 13, 2024. In the re-submitted budget, 800 billion MNT was cut from investment costs, 700 billion from foreign loan usage, and 700 billion from current expenses, reducing the initial version by 2.3 trillion and approving it as a deficit-free budget. This is seen as quite an achievement. But it's regrettable that no one questioned why such a responsible budget wasn't prepared by the Ministry of Finance from the start, or who should take responsibility for bringing such an irresponsible budget for Parliament's approval. The budget is a crucial policy document that dictates the country's existence after the Constitution. Yet, the responsibility for the 2025 budget remains unclear. The budget aims to safeguard, manage, and solve socio-economic issues of the country by creating financial reserves. Every interaction of individuals and legal entities with the government happens through taxes and the budget. These are regulated by the “Budget Law.” While we might laud the approval of a deficit-free budget, no one has addressed the tax burden landing on businesses and individuals. For instance, corporate income tax collection was projected at 2 trillion MNT in 2022, expected to quadruple to 7.5 trillion in the coming year. Personal income tax will rise from 1.2 trillion to 2.9 trillion MNT, a 2.5-fold increase. Domestic VAT will double from 1.5 trillion to 3.4 trillion MNT. Here, we see how the tax strain on businesses and citizens is increasing. The upcoming budget will further intensify government presence in the economy and shrink private sector space. The overly ambitious tax revenue targets, social insurance burdens, and high loan interest costs are driving countless businesses toward bankruptcy. Few parliamentarians address this, which is unfortunate. – The budget re-discussion did not modify coal prices or export volume assumptions. It seems the optimistic outlook remains. Do you think this should have been changed? – Obviously, to superficially reduce a highly expanded budget's deficit, one must inflate revenues and maintain optimistic economic macroeconomic projections. This includes 83 million tons of coal to be exported at $129 per ton, economic growth projected at 8%, total exports predicted to reach $18.9 billion, keeping inflation steady at 6%, and reaching a GDP of 93 trillion MNT. However, these estimations carry execution risks requiring adjustments. The real estate crisis in our neighboring country's market continues for the second year, significantly reducing steel demand, and other nations increased customs duties on China's steel exports, which was not accounted for in projections. – Do you think the approved budget effectively reduced potential expenses? – There are several avenues to reduce budget expenditures, yet none were utilized. I'd like to highlight the costs allocated to local subsidies, welfare, and special funds. Although the budget reallocates resources among regions and social strata, each year subsidies are distributed to provinces under the unified budget of Mongolia. The next year allocates 445 billion MNT across 15 provinces. You may know what kind of cars these provincial leaders drive or the kind of accommodations they live in. There needs to be a policy for these provinces to become economically independent. If Mongolia has chosen a market economy, then it should adhere to its principles. How long should one remain as helpless as a child? Instead of increasing subsidies each year, I believe they should be reduced. Next year, 3 trillion 562 billion MNT will be spent on welfare. In 2016, 285 billion MNT were used for social assistance through welfare funds, which will now increase 12-fold by 2025. Unfortunately, no country in the world has solved poverty through welfare alone. The execution of the 2016 budget showed 2.3 trillion MNT were spent through government special funds, which will increase five-fold to 11.7 trillion MNT by 2025. Essentially, discretionary spending under ministers' control with little scrutiny has increased. – For years, it has been stated that the economy will be diversified. Is this policy being implemented through the budget? – 31% of the total budget revenue will come from the mining sector. The sector's contribution to the state budget was projected at 3.4 trillion MNT in 2021 and 4.3 trillion MNT in 2022, which swells to 8 trillion in 2024 and 11.6 trillion MNT the following year. Every time the topic of economic diversification is raised, the reality is that budget policy continues to render the economy increasingly dependent on mining. Raw material exporting countries strive to reject excessive budget hikes from raw material price windfalls, emphasizing accumulation funds to shield against potential future difficulties, crises, or lighten foreign debt. However, Mongolia is moving against this trend.

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24 Million Tons of Mining Products Traded Since the Beginning of the Year

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: gogo.mn

90.6% of total trades consisted of coal. From the beginning of 2024 until December 13, 24.55 million tons of mining products were traded for a total of 8.85 trillion tugriks, according to the Mongolian Stock Exchange. Coal accounted for 90.6% of total trades, iron ore made up 9.2%, and the rest included products such as fluorspar and copper concentrate. As a result, selling companies have earned additional income of 796.1 billion tugriks due to price increases. Looking at last week's trades, iron ore with a 52% share was traded the most. However, most of the transaction volume was taken up by coal trades. Since December, "Mongolrostsvetmet" SOE has traded a total of 19,800 tons of 52% iron ore. At the beginning of the month, 52% iron ore was traded at 65 USD per ton, but by December 12, the price had decreased to 63.5 USD per ton.

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The Foreign Debt Increased by 7.2 Percent

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: news.mn

Since 2017, Mongolia's debt has been continuously rising. As of the first half of 2023, Mongolia's total foreign debt was equivalent to 33.8 billion US dollars. Of this, eight billion US dollars were government foreign debt, and two billion were the central bank's debt. Additionally, the foreign and domestic debt of state-owned companies was measured at over 10 trillion MNT. Nevertheless, by 2024, Mongolia's total foreign debt reached 35.6 billion US dollars, reflecting a 7.2 percent increase compared to the same period the previous year, according to the National Statistics Office. The increase in foreign debt was primarily influenced by a 16.6 percent rise in direct investments and intercompany loans. Meanwhile, as of the first nine months of 2024, the government's foreign debt totaled 7.8 million US dollars, marking a 4.5 percent increase from the same period the previous year, but the total debt decreased by 1.8 percent to 30.3 trillion MNT. Furthermore, the government paid 1.7 trillion MNT for principal debt payments and one trillion MNT for interest payments. It is estimated that the government's debt-to-GDP ratio will be 55 percent in 2025 and 50 percent in 2026.

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B. Munkhdul: The $100,000 Threshold Demanded from Foreign Investors Does Not Fulfill its Purpose

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: gogo.mn

Former President of Mongolia and current Member of Parliament Kh. Battulga had previously submitted a demand to the former Speaker of the Parliament to oppose the draft law proposed by Ch. Khurelbaatar and others, which allegedly intends to give Mongolian land to foreigners for 100 years under the guise of an investment law, last winter. To recall what happened, there was a controversy over a legal regulation allowing foreign investors to use land for 15-60 years, with the possibility of extension for up to 40 years at a time. Additionally, there was a rising issue about "removing" the threshold of $100,000 that foreign investors are required to pay. The draft law is still being developed. It has now been redefined as a "Law on Foreign Investment." Today, the draft law was discussed at MNCCI with representatives from the state, the private sector, and business entities. The working group led by Deputy Prime Minister T. Dorjkhand is responsible for drafting the new version of the investment law, presenting it to the government, and submitting it to the Parliament. B. Munkhdul, advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister, said about the progress, "We are working on a tight schedule. The Prime Minister has tasked us with submitting the revised Investment Law within this year. The project is now at the stage of finalizing its concept, lacking one minister's signature. Once the concept is approved, it will be ready for the Cabinet meeting and, if possible, we aim to submit it to the Parliament by the end of this year." He also noted, "The $100,000 issue is somewhat meaningless. Investors deposit the money in an account, register the company, and then withdraw the money. Thus, it does not fulfill its original purpose. Therefore, the draft law removes the need for foreign or domestic investors to deposit that money when establishing a legal entity in Mongolia. We seek quality investors, but since the $100,000 requirement is not serving its purpose, we suggest removing it. However, it has been included to set an investment threshold as part of the visa for long-term stay of foreign investors in Mongolia." The revised draft of the Investment Law is being developed with support and collaboration from the American Chamber of Commerce in Mongolia (AmCham Mongolia). O. Adyaa, Executive Director of the Chamber, said, "Our Chamber is part of the working group drafting the Foreign Investment Law. Previously, it was called the Investment Law, but the new draft law specifies foreign investment as its core idea. Many proposals from our Chamber have been included. For example, the legal text indicated the threshold of $100,000 for foreign investors, which they often discuss, is to be determined by the government instead of specifying a number. Also, the issue of how to resolve disputes for investors always arises. It is stated that in case of a dispute, it would go to an international arbitration court, which requires a lot of time and money. Our Chamber and other business entities proposed to establish a national council mechanism to resolve investors' issues. It would not involve hiring many staff on a permanent basis. A point where our proposals did not align was regarding tax exemptions and incentives. Although such provisions exist in the current law, they are not implemented. Therefore, we suggested that this law should not regulate any exemptions or incentives. Issues related to taxes should be specified under the Tax Law, and those related to registration under the State Registration Law, separating them from the Investment Law. Enacting the law will not make foreign investments flock to Mongolia. The investment law should be favorable, the labor law should be effective for attracting investments, and the tax law should offer incentives and benefits. Only as a comprehensive package will investors consider Mongolia attractive. John and Marina are foreign investors. When they want to invest in Mongolia, each is required to deposit $100,000. Once the law is enacted, it is hoped to give a positive signal that work has started to regain the trust of foreign investors, though it will not happen miraculously. It is expected that the investment contract for the Uranium project will be concluded soon, which is also anticipated as a positive signal. Amid current heavy dependency on two neighbors, both large and small investments from a third neighbor are needed, so we have been advising the government to intensify this effort. The mining sector is the primary area of interest for foreign investors. They are also reviewing the draft law on mineral resources. Hence, the Ministry of Industry needs to focus on this. When foreign investors do not show interest in Mongolia, setting a threshold of $100,000 further discourages them. For example, John and Marina are foreign investors. Each is expected to deposit $100,000 when they want to invest in Mongolia. When they try to invest together, it creates a burden, so they have repeatedly asked if one of them can deposit the $100,000. Since investments are not coming due to such thresholds, it is necessary to create favorable conditions to attract them. After the construction of Oyu Tolgoi's underground mine began in spring 2023, in reality, no major investors have entered Mongolia. Some investors have left due to tax disputes. In this situation, both the private sector and the government need to work to regain investors' trust. From this perspective, we are cooperating on the draft law hoping the coalition government will undertake concrete actions. V. Enkhbaatar, head of the Investment and Trade Division, said, "Foreign investors desire stability in policy. The law and environment need not be perfect, just stable. They also prioritize the protection of rights. Hence, the current draft law includes detailed mechanisms and systems regarding how complaints are received and resolved. The working group developing the law is considering various proposals. Some from the business sector see the $100,000 threshold as unnecessary. Surprisingly, there are also proposals suggesting it should be even higher, which the working group has yet to finalize." By the end of 2023, Mongolia had accumulated $47 billion in foreign investments since 1990. In 2023 alone, $3.5 billion was attracted, with $2.5 billion from the Oyu Tolgoi company and the remaining approximately $1 billion from other sectors. Establishing a legal environment to attract foreign investments to non-mining sectors is critical. As of the first quarter of 2023, there are 246,800 registered entities nationwide, with 9,350 being foreign-invested entities. From 1990 to 2023, 14,836 foreign-invested entities were registered, of which 5,486 have been dissolved. Notably, 33% of these were dissolved between 2010-2022.

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Zeroing Import Flour Tax Impacted Local Factories Negatively

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: news.mn

The discussion "Food Production and Sustainable Growth" took place today. The government zeroed the import flour tax last June. This has negatively impacted domestic factories, disrupting their operations. The Vice President of the Mongolian Farmers and Flour Producers Association, Sh. Shinebayar, said: "More than 10 flour factories operate in Mongolia. Last June, the import flour price was zeroed. However, the price of flour has not decreased significantly. On the contrary, we see that its quality has deteriorated. Consumers are choosing quality products rather than cheap ones. It has also been difficult for domestic producers. Last year, some factories filled their warehouses by producing their products. The operations of these factories are disrupted and sales are decreasing. This negatively affects national factories. Therefore, I think the government should not intervene in the agriculture and flour sector. Prices will stabilize as per business principles. Miscellaneous costs affect agricultural product prices. For example, it is affected by fuel and ingredients, on top of which taxes are increasing. Therefore, improving the quality of flour needs fertilizers, which makes them important. The government should support initiatives such as subsidizing the price of fertilizers through policy. Zeroing the import flour tax will not solve the problem. The zeroed import flour price is now negatively impacting domestic factories." President of the Unified Association of Mongolia’s Food Producers, D. Terbishdagva, said: "One part of national security assurance is food security. Food security is an important issue for any country, especially for a non-producer country like Mongolia, which relies on imported goods. Therefore, tax policy needs attention. Large countries pay a lot of attention to taxes. During the market period, national factories closed down under the name of privatization. Government policies are implemented towards food factories. Based on this, eggs, milk, and vegetables are supplied domestically. However, more improvement is needed. The government should also address price and quality issues. This should be done by focusing on issues such as taxes and concessional loans. By improving the competition of domestic factories, there is an opportunity to supply quality products and reduce prices. The government should particularly focus on food security, which is a guarantee of national security."

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Non-performing loans amount to 2.1 trillion tugriks

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The money supply by the end of November 2024, according to preliminary results, reached 41.5 trillion tugriks, increasing by 6.1 trillion tugriks or 17.2% compared to the same period last year. This was influenced by the increase in tugrik deposits by 5.2 trillion tugriks or 32.5%, and tugrik demand deposits by 2.6 trillion tugriks or 36.2%. Of the tugrik deposits, 18.1 trillion tugriks belong to individuals, and 3 trillion tugriks to business entities and organizations. Foreign currency deposits reached 4.5 trillion tugriks, increasing by 1.7% or 76.5 billion tugriks from the previous month, but decreased by 6.7% compared to the same period last year. Regarding loans, the total outstanding loan debt granted to businesses, organizations, and individuals amounted to 35.9 trillion tugriks by the end of November 2024, which is a 33.5% increase from the same period last year. Of the total outstanding loan debt, 60.9% belongs to individuals, 37.4% to private organizations, 0.7% to state organizations, and 1% to financial organizations and others. Currently, there are 1.3 billion tugriks in loans that require attention, while the amount of non-performing loans has reached 2.1 trillion tugriks. Compared to the same period last year, the amount of non-performing loans increased by 4.9% or 106 billion tugriks, equating to 5.8% of the total outstanding loan debt. Warning: Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social Media, and Websites) are reminded that when using our information in any form, either wholly or partially, they must credit the source (ikon.mn).

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Make Transactions with Apple Pay and Get a Discounted Mortgage

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Last week, the global giant Apple officially launched its Apple Pay service in Mongolia, allowing Mongolians to join over 670 million people worldwide in making payments. Apple Pay is considered one of the best payment solutions and is officially available in 84 countries worldwide, with the UK, Canada, and the US among the most frequent users. As part of launching this service in the market, Trade and Development Bank (TDB) announced a promotional program for its customers. Through this promotional program, TDB will select the 102 customers who have made the most transactions using Apple Pay each month, rewarding a total of 612 customers by May 30, 2025, for actively using this leading global payment solution. What are the rewards of the promotion? Each month, winners will be determined based on the number of transactions made with Apple Pay: 1st place: Receive a discounted home mortgage loan from the bank's own fund. 2nd place: Win an iPhone 16 smartphone. 3rd to 100th place: Receive a $25 GIFT-CARD from the Apple brand. How to connect to Apple Pay? If you are a customer, you can now connect your Virtual MasterCard to Apple Pay via the TDB Online app following the instructions below and receive a 10,000₮ bonus. Not a TDB customer? No worries! Download the TDB Online app, press the Register button and become a customer of TDB. Then order your Virtual MasterCard and connect it to Apple Pay. Download the TDB Online app now: onelink.to/7g5ndx View more information about Apple Pay: applepay.tdbm.mn Your iPhone is Your TDB card. Warning: Media outlets (Television, Radio, Social media, and Websites) must mention their source (ikon.mn) when using our information in any form, either in full or in part.

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Inspection conducted at Bayalag Undraa and Bayanzurkh trading centers

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Following the direction and instructions given by the Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia, the Agency for Standardization and Metrology, in cooperation with the Deputy Prime Minister's Office, the General Agency for Veterinary Services, and the National Accreditation Center, conducted an inspection today at the Bayalag Undraa and Bayanzurkh trading centers regarding the quality and safety of meat supplied for the food needs of the residents of the capital. During the inspection, they examined whether the hygiene and safety standards of wholesale and retail fresh meat of animal origin sold in these trading centers were met, as well as transportation, storage, and sales counters according to the relevant standards, "Technical regulations for the production and trade of meat and meat products," and health and sanitation requirements. They also reviewed the accreditation of internal control laboratories, the processes and results of tests conducted on raw meat, collected samples of raw meat of animal origin available for sale for verification at accredited laboratories, and checked the verification, usage, and metrological indicators of weighing devices used in trade, as reported by the Agency for Standardization and Metrology.

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Diplomacy

Thailand and Mongolia Plan to Increase Bilateral Trade to $100 Million by 2027

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Thailand's Minister of Commerce, Pichai Naripfan, met with Mongolia's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Thailand, A. Tömör. After the meeting, Naripfan announced plans to accelerate trade talks through the Thailand-Mongolia Joint Committee, aiming to increase bilateral trade to $100 million by 2027. Thailand has expressed readiness to organize a meeting of the joint trade committee early next year. Additionally, the committee is expected to discuss plans to boost bilateral investment to $1.5 billion by 2027. Mongolia has shown interest in importing fruits and seafood products from Thailand. There is also significant demand in Mongolia for canned and processed food products. During the meeting, Minister Naripfan invited Mongolian businesspeople, via the ambassador, to participate in the "THAIFEX-ANUGA" exhibition in May and the "Bangkok Gems & Jewellery Fair" in September next year. Moreover, Minister Naripfan urged the Mongolian government to support businesses investing in Mongolia. He highlighted that Thai investors are actively involved in sectors such as coal, healthcare, and solar energy in Mongolia. Last year, trade between the two countries reached $88 million. Thailand exported goods worth $21 million to Mongolia, with key exports including paper, automotive parts, and sugar.

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Japan and Mongolia Sign Defense Technology Transfer Agreement

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: itoim.mn

Japan and Mongolia have signed an agreement for the transfer of defense technology, as reported by Azernews. The agreement was signed by Masaru Igawahara, the Japanese ambassador to Mongolia, and S. Byambatsogt, the Minister of Defense of Mongolia. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that this agreement aims to facilitate joint projects, particularly those focused on promoting peace and stability at an international level through the transfer of defense technology. Furthermore, the ministry stated, "This agreement is a significant step in strengthening the defense sector cooperation between Tokyo and Ulaanbaatar. It not only fosters closer relations in the field of defense technology but also contributes to improving Japan's defense industrial base, thereby enhancing Japan's security." This partnership balances Japan's efforts to expand its role in international security with its stance on valuing peace, through strategic defense cooperation. More broadly, the agreement between Japan and Mongolia could pave the way for exploring similar defense partnerships with other countries in the Asia-Pacific region. As geopolitical challenges increase, such alliances play an important role in regional stability and security.

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South Korea to Collaborate with Mongolia, Thailand, and the Philippines on International Adoption and Child Protection

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: isee.mn

The Ministry of Health and Welfare of South Korea announced that it held an online conference with the 'International Adoption Centers' of Mongolia, Thailand, and the Philippines to discuss collaboration. This meeting aimed to establish a cooperation network with major countries in preparation for the implementation of the 'International Adoption Act' in South Korea, expected to take effect from July 19th next year. The initiative is seen as a push to systematically enforce international adoption regulations to strengthen child protection and national responsibility. Additionally, it is intended to prepare for the Hague Convention on the adoption of children. The Ministry of Health and Welfare of South Korea highlighted that Mongolia, Thailand, and the Philippines, as countries with active citizen-to-citizen interactions with South Korea and as signatories to the Hague Convention, are key partners in sharing experiences in conducting child-focused international adoption activities. Source: Yonhap News

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M. Mandkhai: Russia is exerting pressure by refusing to supply equipment and process transactions for companies that refuse to join the Eurasian Union

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: isee.mn

On the 21st of this month, Mongolia was about to sign an agreement with the "Eurasian Economic Union" with Deputy Prime Minister S. Amarsaikhan expected to sign it. However, this information caught the public's attention a week ago, facing resistance from national manufacturers and business owners. Therefore, we approached Member of Parliament N. Mandkhai to clarify her position on the matter.

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Standing Committee to Hear Report on Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: itoim.mn

The issue of Mongolia establishing a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union has been quite controversial. Domestic business entities have strongly opposed the matter and have submitted an official letter to the Ministry of Economy and Development, the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry, and the relevant standing committees of the Parliament, demanding measures to postpone and even annul the agreement. On the coming Thursday, the Economic Standing Committee of the Parliament will hear information on the cooperation between Mongolia and the Eurasian Economic Union and the free trade agreement from the Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia, who is also the Minister of Economy and Development. Furthermore, during the visit of Mongolia's Deputy Prime Minister and the Chairman of the Mongolia-Russia Intergovernmental Commission, Mr. S. Amarsaikhan, to Moscow from December 26-27, it is expected to finalize the issue of Mongolia joining the free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union.

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Infrastructure

B. Tulga: Naransevsht's Port Will Significantly Impact the Development of the Western Region

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

I had a conversation with B. Tulga, a Member of Parliament, Minister of Mongolia, and Chairman of the National Committee on Port Development. The issue of the Naransevstei port has become a main topic of interest. Some argue that it should be opened, while others criticize the idea. As a member of the government, what is the significance of opening this port? With the new Constitution approved, a parliament of 126 members has been formed. The coalition government was established, and the 2024-2028 action program was approved by the State Great Khural, which is actively implementing it. Among this is the goal proposed by our National Committee on Port Development to open and operate Naransevstei port. It's positive that there is significant discussion on why this port is important and why it should be opened in society. In a democratic society, it is important to include everyone's opinions when deciding on trade issues. Mongolia shares a 4,500 km border with China. Currently, 13 out of 17 ports are in operation. Through these 17 ports, we border the administrative regions of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and Gansu Province, and trade with the first two. We see Naransevsht-Mazunshan as a port that can share trade with the port of Zamyn-Uud-Eren in the western region bordering Gansu Province. This port will have a significant impact on the development of the western region. How has the economic benefit been calculated specifically? Gansu Province has a population of 26 million and covers 425,000 square kilometers. Economically, it ranks third among Chinese provinces. Unlike Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang Uygur, Gansu Province does not have mining industries. Its economy is centered around manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture, which foster regional economic growth and commerce with other provinces. Inner Mongolia, like our country, has mining as the backbone of its economy. Mongolian mining products are re-processed in Inner Mongolia, with added value, and sold to other provinces. So, we can consider this as opening a third market. We are seeking opportunities to sell directly to other internal provinces without having to pass through Inner Mongolia or Xinjiang Uygur. About Gansu's GDP for the first quarter of 2024, it is 912 billion yuan, which is almost nine times larger compared to Mongolia's economy. The opportunity to trade and work with such an economic region provides a substantial chance for the economy of Mongolia, especially in the western region, to expand and grow. The Naransevsht-Mazunshan port was initially opened 32 years ago but soon closed. What was the reason? The Naransevsht port was first opened in 1992. That year, Mongolia opened its ports bordering China and started trading with the provinces. Among them, only one port was closed at that time, which was Naransevsht. What happened was that when opening the port and conducting trade, infrastructure was not established. The trade was started directly from both sides by setting up a van. Every port from Zamyn-Uud onwards started like this. Because there were no roads within the part of the Great Gobi A Strictly Protected Areas spanning Gobi-Altai and Bayankhongor provinces, affecting the wildlife and environmental protection was noted, leading the government and legislature at the time to form working groups, which concluded that this was unsustainable, closing the port after nine months. Scholars and local people argue that opening this port would negatively impact the environment, particularly endangered species like the Gobi bear (mazaalai) and wild Bactrian camel, as well as livestock. How do you respond to this? We should protect the Great Gobi A Strictly Protected Areas and improve its management. We endorse building roads and infrastructure that would have minimal impact on protected areas like our scientists say. Wary of repeating the 1992-1993 mistake of going through protected zones and impacting oases, the government proposes to set infrastructure along the border, protecting the special zones while opening economically significant ports in the regions. The Great Gobi A was designated in 1975 and is one of the larger protected areas globally, covering 45,000 square kilometers—similar to the combined areas of Bayan-Ölgii, Selenge, and Bulgan aimags. Is there a possibility of conducting mining operations at Naransevstei port? Rumors exist about illegal gold mining activities there. Current legislation prohibits any mining or manufacturing activities within special protected areas. During Prime Minister Ch. Saikhanbileg's administration in 2013, there was discussion of conducting geological surveys around Talyn Meltse, which we opposed as the Minister of Environment and still maintain a firm stance against. Unfortunately, with minimal human resource and budget for management, working groups found illegal mining and gold prospecting activities had increased in recent months. We have documented 38 illegally operated points, including untouched reserves and limited-access areas. Enhancing enforcement with more personnel will be better deterrence than leaving a vast area unmanaged. You mentioned that the industrial sector is vital to Gansu's economy. What are the potential opportunities for Mongolia? The province hosts significant petroleum and renewable energy sectors, processing factories, and considerable industrial operations, including aerospace and military sectors in China. Tourism is the second major economic area. Last September, I visited Gansu and witnessed their largest tourism base, renowned for showcasing Mongolia's Gobi Desert to Chinese tourists, offering camel rides. Recent internet searches show that tourism in Gansu has doubled since last year with 20 million tourists in the first three quarters, generating incomes amounting to 2.2 billion US dollars, about half of Mongolia's foreign reserves in nine months solely from their natural sightseeing and tourism activities. What opportunities exist for us to benefit from this vast market? We can promote similar tourism models in Bayankhongor and Gobi-Altai. Like them, hosting camel rides and marketing livestock products can diversify and develop our economy, aligning with our policies. The next area is undeniably the agricultural sector. Most Gobi-Altai soums are unconnected by paved roads to their aimag centers. Connecting them with roads to ports will significantly improve livelihoods, enabling agriculture products, livestock, meat, and fruits from these areas to reach the market through paved roads and ports, fostering economic growth. How many are the Subey Mongols in Gansu? In Gansu, there are about 15,000 Subey Mongols, who speak the same dialect and share cultural similarities with Gobi-Altai and Bayankhongor residents. During my visits, I noted their prosperous livelihoods, attributed to traditional camel herding, where they automatically milk camels and gain significant annual incomes, engaging Kazakhs and Chinese as farmhands. These are modern herders leading enriched lives. Are these Mongols split by the border? I did some research and found that they are descendants of Dambiijaa's followers, who migrated with him when expelled from Mongolia. Without Dambiijaa's lineage, they settled, split between the Mazunshan Mountains and Gobi's borders, forming one cultural entity between two sides. It means they were part of Mongolian culture only 100 years ago, now a separate and distinct community. Indeed, they expressed a desire to open the door to connect with relatives. Regarding the proximity to petroleum operations directly across the border in Gansu, were we to establish infrastructure, the western region could directly obtain cheap petroleum, construction, and industrial products from the south, and simultaneously export our domestic products back. When is it planned to open Naransevstei port? Many assume that declaring a port open means it's immediately operational. Opening ports requires diplomatic agreements between two countries. Therefore, the State Great Khural will review and pass resolutions on Naransevsht's opening. Subsequently, neighboring countries must make agreements, enabling advancement. We are expected to establish roads and infrastructure first. Our previously hasty attempts without roads should not be repeated. We rushed similarly with Gashuunsukhait to prioritize economics. Preliminary studies suggest routing the road along the border strip. If Naransevstei-Mazunshan opens, the main traffic will be goods and tourist transport, not mining products. How did you plan the feasibility studies, roads, and infrastructure? For newly launching ports, we find it sensible to involve private investors, having those using the ports pay service fees and road tolls to offset costs. Historically, Gansu was a key gate for Mongolians traveling to India, Nepal, Tibet. Behind Naransevsht, Dungan is a tourist town. During the 13th century's "Silk Road," Naransevstei was the main town for trade routes where Mongolians sourced teas and sold livestock products. Situated on the "Belt and Road" connecting Europe and Asia, major infrastructure lies just below 100 km away. Improving domestic infrastructure to access this avoids needing the Zamyn-Uud or Tianjin port routes, directly linking through this trade corridor. Our trade capabilities will notably enhance. For scientists and locals who are concerned that opening Naransevstei port may harm the environment or drive animals to extinction, what is your response? Chinese mines, factories, and infrastructure are already to the south of our border, heavily fenced, preventing wildlife from entering. By laying out a road five kilometers parallel to the boundary, we anticipate lesser impacts. Establishing infrastructure secures not just trade but aids border patrol, animal protection, and environmental conservation. Building roads signifies safeguarding nature because people won’t venture into roadless areas. Considering the vast territory, more rangers are needed. Regrettably, few are in service, their salaries mostly spent on operational expenses. Should we boost operational budgets and personnel for protected areas, potentially using trade revenues, researchers may oppose less. There are unfounded assumptions concerning a 300-ton gold resource that might be exploited. Such reserves do not exist—no official exploration or reconnaissance has confirmed this. Rumors capitalize on pre-1900 small gold extractions. Substantially, residents in the west deserve equal fuel and paved road accessibility as central areas and shouldn’t have to cover 1000 km for the Chinese market. There’s much misconception propagated about going through strictly protected zones, but that’s incorrect. No mining operations will occur within protected lands. People suggest using Burgastai port, but that is 400 km from Naransevsht. Furthermore, Burgastai borders Xinjiang-Uyghur with strict supervision making free trade difficult, hence advocating Naransevsht for internal trade.

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Reviewed Administrative Activities and Discussed the Draft Law for the New Kharakhorum City Development

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: isee.mn

A working group responsible for the implementation of the State Great Khural Resolution No. 07 of 2023, which concerns the establishment of the "New Kharakhorum" city in the Orkhon Valley and promotes the development of the city, visited the administrative office responsible for the city's development today. This administration, tasked with organizing, managing, and ensuring the legal, infrastructure, and investment environment necessary for the planning and construction of the "New Kharakhorum" city, was established by the government's decision in February 2023, with 30 positions authorized. Currently, 27 people work there. During this time, essential basic research, including the exploration of drinking and household water, engineering-geological and topographical research, environmental assessments, and unified conclusions of archaeological and paleontological research, have been completed for the city's general development plan, as reported by the head of this administration, N. Natsagdorj. In March of this year, an international open competition was announced to formulate the conceptual framework for the general plan aimed at outlining the vision, leading development directions, planning principles, and appearance of the "New Kharakhorum" city. A total of 426 teams from 54 countries registered, with submissions from 76 teams. From these, works from 18 countries and 36 teams were selected for use in city planning. The Orkhon Valley, home to the ancient capitals such as the Hunnu Empire's Luut City, the Rouran's Mumo City, the Uyghur's Khara Balgas, and the sacred sites of the Turkic khans and rulers, and the Mongol Empire's "Kharakhorum" city, is a central region for Mongolian history, culture, and statehood. Therefore, the general plan for the "New Kharakhorum" city aims to establish it as a center for culture, tourism, and high-tech industries, leaning on green development to become a smart, eco-friendly city. The city, with a total area of 189,363 hectares, is designed to support a population of 500,000 people, with 50% of the residential areas dedicated to green spaces. The working group supporting the "New Kharakhorum" city's development was formed by the decree of the Speaker of the State Great Khural in December 2024. The group's leader, G. Temuulen, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Security and Foreign Policy, along with parliament members M. Enkhsetseg, G. Luvsanjamts, D. Purevdavaa, B. Punsalmaa, and N. Batsuiburel, reviewed the activities of the administration responsible for the city's development and discussed the draft law concerning the support of Kharakhorin city's development, as reported by the Public Relations Office of the State Great Khural.

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559 Kilometers of Paved Roads Built This Year

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The road from the Home Plaza intersection to the E-Mart store intersection was closed for renovation. In 2023, the transportation sector transported a total of 107.4 million tons of cargo for the first time in history. A total of 122.2 million tons of cargo were transported by all means of transportation, an increase of 20.4% compared to the same period last year. Among this, the volume of export transportation reached 87.2 million tons, surpassing the end-of-year total of the previous year and growing by 22.2% compared to the same period last year, setting a new historical record. The volume of cargo transported by road and rail exceeded previous years, setting new historical records. In 2023, 71.2 million tons were transported by road and 36.1 million tons by rail, marking the highest record. As of December 8, 2024, 81.1 million tons were transported by road and 41.2 million tons by rail, renewing the historic records. With the improvement in the quality and standards of air transport services, the number of air travelers transiting through Mongolia approached 16,000 in 2024, an increase of 6.5% compared to the previous year. In 2024, 559.5 km of paved roads and 173.9 linear meters of bridges were newly put into operation in the automobile road sector. Among these, 223.5 km of international and national standard road networks were added, bringing the total length to 7750.1 km. In 2024, Mongolia signed 47 air transport agreements with 46 countries around the world, creating the possibility of direct flights to 155 destinations, and for the first time in history, the number of air passengers exceeded two million. As of November 2024, the Khushig Valley airport has received two million passengers, while MIAT Corporation transported one million passengers in a year for the first time in its history. Source: Ministry of Roads and Transport

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Opening Public Transport Routes to Resorts and Tourist Camps

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

In connection with the start of students' vacation, preparations are being made to open special public transportation routes to resorts and tourist camps, aimed at supporting citizens in spending their time comfortably in the fresh air. In this regard, the city mayor's office has started collecting feedback on proposed special routes. It is possible to participate in this survey through the "Ulaanbaatar news" website. The survey includes routes from the Officers' Palace to the "Jiguur" family retreat located in the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, and from Sukhbaatar Square to the "Sky resort" ski base. Questions regarding the frequency of bus services and what would be a suitable service fee in tugrik have also been prepared.

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Report: Those without electricity remain, others migrate to the center

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: news.mn

It has been a month since the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) announced the increase in electricity prices. Specifically, the electricity tariff will reach its real cost and be increased starting November 15, 2024, and the heating tariff starting May 16, 2025. It was planned to increase the prices in a staggered manner depending on consumption. Residents report that in the first month after the electricity price increase, their bills rose by an average of 15,000 to 35,000 MNT. For example, a three-member household that used to pay 45,000 MNT per month now pays 63,000 MNT, an increase of 18,000 MNT. The main issue is that along with the increase in electricity prices, the prices of other goods and products have also risen, causing dissatisfaction among people. Previously, we reported on the increase in the prices of essential goods in stores in ger areas and the reduced purchasing power of citizens. On November 18, 2024, the National Statistics Office reported that sugar was priced at 4980 MNT, rice at 4739 MNT, vegetable oil at 5864 MNT, Ataar bread at 2446 MNT, and premium Altan Taria flour at 2411 MNT. However, just a week later, the prices rose to 5200 MNT for sugar, 5000 MNT for rice, 6750 MNT for vegetable oil, 2500 MNT for Ataar bread, and 3100 MNT for premium Altan Taria flour. Business operators explain the increase in goods prices with the rise in electricity prices. The ERC decided to increase the electricity price for businesses by 30% without any tiers. Business owners say that it is difficult because they pay not only for electricity but also various other taxes. "MANY FAMILIES HAVE THEIR ELECTRICITY CUT OFF BECAUSE THEY CAN'T PAY THE BILL." A woman shaking her head in resignation, named G. Narantungalag, commented, "We are truly a patient people." She works as an assistant in a construction materials shop called 100 Ail. When asked how the rise in electricity prices is affecting people's lives, she said, "Even before the electricity price increase, many families couldn't pay their bills and had their power cut off. Can you sleep in a cold, unlit home in the winter? I am the sole provider for my three-member family. I won't lie and say we've never had our power cut. It gets cut, then we reconnect it, but we also have to pay a service fee. The electricity price increase is tough on people who barely make ends meet each month. On top of that, the prices of goods have also gone up. For low-income people, even a 100 MNT increase in bread is hard. Maybe people with high incomes don't notice this. Government officials might not even know the price of bread. In reality, individuals who are busy trying to earn money for their daily meals don't have the time to notice what's happening in the country. Our family is in the Bayanzurkh district, 4th khoroo. Just past the 805th military unit. Last week our power went out twice. My brother came from Khuvsgul aimag on a holiday and said that when they passed through Erdenet city, it was total darkness with no electricity. The electricity price increased alongside the onset of winter. What work was done to preempt the winter load? Ordinary citizens always suffer due to the uncalculated policies and decisions of the government," she explained. ELECTRICITY RESTRICTIONS WILL CONTINUE THROUGHOUT WINTER. Due to a shortage of power capacity, the National Dispatch Center is implementing electricity limitations through the substations of the National Power Grid Joint Stock Company. The restrictions are made directly at times of real usage load to ensure system safety, and thus advance notice to citizens is not possible. Electricity limitations will more or less continue throughout the winter due to the dependence on renewable energy production. In parallel, the head of the Energy Regulatory Commission, T. Dorjkhanda, announced plans to export energy, again frustrating citizens. He expressed that foreign consultancy services would be used to develop policy and strategy. It is said that despite Mongolia having a vast energy reserve, due to unknown market studies, it is not making revenue from its energy sector. However, the current situation and energy shortage were not mentioned. The Energy Reform Office led by him also started to conflict internally. Meanwhile, Energy Minister B. Choijilsuren explained, "We are facing a shortage of power capacity due to insufficient wind and solar energy." He admitted a lack of information about the Energy Regulatory Commission. "LIVING IN SOMEONE ELSE'S HOUSE BECAUSE THERE'S NO POWER." A resident of the 21st khoroo of Songinokhairkhan district, B. Otgonsuren, although having his own fenced land and home, is forced to live in another's house due to a lack of electricity. Similarly, 63 households in the 361 stop area have been without electricity since June, and despite their efforts, they entered winter without resolution. Citizen B. Otgonsuren expressed, "I have not left any place to get electricity set up. The khoroo and district give no solid answers. Even went to the city's Energy Center and finally appealed to the ministry. The ministry received our request. We've handed over our cadastral map for the line diagram. It seems like it takes a lot of time. I also filed a petition to meet with the Energy Minister and am awaiting a positive response." Those remaining are the ones with opportunities, while others move toward the center due to lack of power. This is just an example. There are many households in the outskirts and remote districts living without electricity in the 21st century. To say no children are studying by candlelight today would be a mistake. If we cannot provide energy to our own nearby citizens, talking about exports abroad is just a dream. If not a dream, the electricity price hike weakening citizens is meeting someone's interests.

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Monlogistics Group Receives Its First Batch of Wagons

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: gogo.mn

Monlogistics Group has successfully received its first batch of wagons from Russia as part of its strategic expansion of export transportation activities through its IPO. Due to the Russian war and international sanctions, finding a reliable manufacturer, making payments, obtaining necessary permits, and dealing with the congestion on Russian railways caused the transportation process to be slightly delayed from the initially planned schedule. However, Monlogistics Group has successfully achieved this goal. The next batch of wagons has already been manufactured and is ready, with plans to receive them by the first quarter of 2025. Furthermore, in support of measures to increase exports and the "Port Revival" initiative under the "New Revival Policy" implemented by the Government of Mongolia, Monlogistics Group established “Monlogistics Equipments” LLC in 2023 and planned to purchase 50 wagons from Russia. This investment will not only expand the railway rolling stock base and increase sales revenue but also play an important role in exporting Mongolia's strategic mining products (such as copper, coal, etc.) to foreign markets. Together in the growth journey! Monlogistics Group

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B. Osorgarav: Instead of Tunneling Bogd Khan Mountain, Let's Build a High-Speed Train to Kharkhorum with the Money

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: itoim.mn

"Is it right to take on debt and spend $1.4 billion to tunnel our protected Bogd Khan Mountain? Then, with what money will we establish a city at the foot of Bogd Khan Mountain?" is the issue presented by B. Osorgarav, an honored economist of Mongolia, along with others. Economist B. Osorgarav opposes taking on $1.4 billion in debt to tunnel the protected Bogd Khan Mountain. After tunneling Bogd Khan Mountain, how many additional billions of dollars will it take to establish a city? Approaching a 20-minute concept in this emotional manner is wrong. A public hearing should be conducted on the issue of constructing a road through the protected Bogd Khan Mountain, either in Parliament or by soliciting opinions from the entire population. While having a coalition government, we should focus not on trivial matters but on implementing and executing mega projects that can expand the country's development. Instead of taking on such a large debt to tunnel through the protected Bogd Khan Mountain, we could use the funds to build a high-speed train line to the new city of Kharkhorum and relocate a part of congested Ulaanbaatar to there. This alternative is several times more beneficial for the future than tunneling Bogd Khan Mountain. There is also talk of laying a 34 km road along the Tuul River from the road branching towards Nalaikh to the road branching towards Darkhan. However, residential buildings constructed with corruption have occupied the Tuul River's banks so densely that there isn't even space for a footpath, let alone a vehicular road. Where and how can a wide-speed highway be constructed along it? Only people from Nalaikh will travel to Darkhan on the highway? How will they connect to Yarmag and the congested city of Ulaanbaatar? Where will Ulaanbaatar's congested vehicles enter and accelerate on this road? How effective is a 20-minute speedway? Instead, by building a three to four-lane wide paved road westward from Ulaanbaatar to the beautiful valley where the old Bayantsogt soum was located and solving issues of water, heat, and electricity there, some residents and vehicles could move away from congested Ulaanbaatar and settle there. Mongolia's foreign debt has reached $35.6 billion. The current foreign debt of Mongolia is $35.6 billion. The country's annual budget revenue is 33.5 trillion MNT, equivalent to $9.8 billion. The foreign exchange reserves at the Mongolian central bank are $4.9 billion. Mongolia's foreign exchange reserves are 7.3 times less than its foreign debt and half of its budget revenue. Worldwide, countries are phasing out coal and smoke due to climate change and atmospheric conditions. However, Mongolia mainly relies on coal revenue as the majority of its national budget income. Therefore, how will Mongolia pay back its debt and improve the quality of life in the future? Thus, it is crucial that the considerable foreign debt taken on improves the country's economy and provides future benefits, increases job opportunities, and enhances the livelihood of the people.

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Society

Case of Drug Smuggling Through International Mail Transferred to Court

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The Prosecutor’s Office has supervised 44,178 case registrations and 3,381 investigations, preparing indictments for 390 criminal cases which have been transferred to court. The breakdown of the indictments includes 165 cases against crimes against health, 103 against property rights, 77 against traffic safety and transportation regulations, 18 against environmental protection, 8 for corruption and official misconduct, 7 for crimes against the right to life, 5 each for crimes against sexual freedom and inviolability, and illegal use of narcotics and psychotropic substances, and 2 for illegal border crossings of goods. Examples of cases transferred to court include: The Ulaanbaatar City Prosecutor's Office has indicted officials E.B, S.N, and P.B from the Ulaanbaatar Customs Office under the General Customs Authority for abusing their power. They allegedly conducted incomplete inspections on declared goods, thereby providing undue advantages to others. The indictment is made under Article 22.1.1 of the Criminal Code (Abuse of Power) and was transferred to the First Instance Criminal Court of Bayangol District. Officials L.Ch and M.E from the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry have been indicted for abuse of power. They allegedly manipulated the selection process improperly favoring the company “Ch” LLC for importing hay and fodder and distributing them to herders and farmers. The indictment falls under Article 22.1.2 of the Criminal Code (Abuse of Power) and was transferred to the First Instance Criminal Court of Bayanzurkh District. Citizens N.G and A.A have been indicted for smuggling narcotics from the Netherlands through international mail. The case is prosecuted under Article 20.7.3.3 of the Criminal Code (Illegal Use of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances) and has been referred to the First Instance Criminal Court of Bayangol District. The Arkhangai Province Prosecutor’s Office indicted S.B, a labor and welfare specialist, who allegedly misused their position to unjustly distribute social welfare funds and allowances, creating financial benefits for themselves and others. The charge is under Article 22.1.1 of the Criminal Code (Abuse of Power) and was transferred to the Inter-aimag First Instance Criminal Court. The Bayankhongor Province Prosecutor’s Office charged sum governor D.M with abuse of power for allegedly making illegal agreements with “B” Organization's head B.T to extract minerals through small-scale mining. This indictment is covered under Article 22.1.1 of the Criminal Code (Abuse of Power) and was transferred to the Inter-aimag First Instance Criminal Court. The Zamyn-Uud sum Inter-aimag Prosecutor’s Office in Dornogovi Province charged Chinese citizen B with illegally smuggling 43 cultural and historical artifacts across the Mongolian border. The indictment was made under Article 18.5.3 of the Criminal Code (Illegal Cross-border Transport of Goods) and was transferred to the local inter-county court. During the same period, a total of 44,178 case registrations and 3,381 investigations were under supervision, and 390 cases were prepared with indictments and transferred to the court. Details of the indictments include 165 cases against crimes against personal health, 103 against property rights, 77 related to traffic and transportation security regulations, 18 concerning environmental issues, 8 involving corruption and official misconduct, 7 breaches of the right to life, 5 concerning both crimes against sexual freedom and the illegal handling of narcotics and psychotropic substances, and 2 cases of illegal border crossing of goods. Some notable cases moved to court are: In the capital city, Ulaanbaatar, customs officers E.B, S.N, and P.B have been accused of leveraging their official powers to perform insufficient inspections on declared cargo, thereby favoring certain parties. This is charged under Article 22.1.1 of the Criminal Code (Abuse of Power or Official Position) and has been presented to the Bayangol District Criminal Court. Officials in the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry, L.Ch and M.E, are charged with abusing their positions by favoring “Ch” LLC in the procurement of hay and fodder to sell to farmers, in violation of procurement guidelines. This was prosecuted under Article 22.1.2 of the Criminal Code (Abuse of Duty) and submitted to Bayanzurkh District Criminal Court. Individuals N.G and A.A were prosecuted for smuggling illicit drugs into Mongolia via international mail services from the Netherlands, facing charges under Article 20.7.3.3 (Illegal Handling of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances) at the Bayangol District Criminal Court. Investigations from Arkhangai Province allege specialist S.B of wrongfully allocating social welfare and allowances for personal and third-party economic benefits, in violation of Article 22.1.1 (Abuse of Official Authority), moved to the inter-province criminal court. Bayankhongor Province saw allegations against Governor D.M who reportedly abused his official capacity to secure a mining contract with small-scale organizer B.T, under Article 22.1.1 (Abuse of Official Authority), processed to the inter-province first-instance court. Zamyn-Uud sum Prosecutor in Dornogovi Province charged a Chinese national, B, in illicit transportation of cultural artifacts and historical objects across the Mongolian border contrary to Article 18.5.3 (Illegal Border Traffic of Goods), appearing now in sum-level juridical processing.

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58 Fire Alerts in Ulaanbaatar in One Week

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: ikon.mn

During the past week, a total of 58 fire calls and 3 rescue operations were registered across the capital. According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), no individuals were harmed by the fires. Rescuers ensured the safety of 162 citizens and managed to save property worth 3.16 billion MNT. With the onset of cold weather and increased heating, the risk of fires is rising. Thus, it is advised to ensure the fire safety of stoves, chimneys, and regularly check the proper functioning of carbon monoxide detectors to avoid electrical overloads. Source: National Emergency Management Agency

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Environment

URGENT: President Khurelsukh Summons Ministers and Party Leaders to Address Air Pollution Issues

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: isee.mn

Residents in the capital have been expressing significant frustration over the increase in air pollution compared to previous years. At this moment, the President of Mongolia, U. Khurelsukh, is meeting with government ministers, party leaders in the State Great Khural, and other officials to address the air pollution problem. This morning, the wind speed in Bayankhoshuu was 0.5 m/s, with PM 2.5 levels exceeding 500 and SO2 levels over 308. In Tolgoit, PM 2.5 levels were above 402, and PM10 levels were 256. In the 1st district area, the PM 2.5 level was 486, and SO2 was 212. In Khailaast, PM10 levels were 443, and PM2.5 levels were 439. These indicators have reached the "extremely high pollution" level, the maximum possible measure of pollution.

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Burning raw coal, waste tires, and other materials affects air quality

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: isee.mn

Mongolia's Deputy Prime Minister S. Amarsaikhan, addressing the situation of air and environmental pollution, met with officials from relevant organizations last Friday. He instructed them to pay special attention to whether the composition and quality of refined fuel meets standards, to maintain constant surveillance, to operate mobile stations at the most polluted points to measure and inform the public, and to pay special attention to the use of raw coal and improve inspections. Following Deputy Prime Minister S. Amarsaikhan's directives, inspections by relevant professional organizations revealed the following violations. Specifically, some auto repair shops were burning old tires and automotive waste oil, including sludges, while small-scale steam boiler enterprises were found to be operating their boilers without filters. Moreover, some households in ger districts were burning raw coal, rubber, and worn-out clothes mixed with motor oil, as well as other waste and non-standard fuel. In response to these violations, professional organizations are working and taking necessary measures as reported by the relevant authorities. Furthermore, it was noted that some businesses and individuals burning these mercury-laden products negatively impact air quality, affecting the health and living environment of the capital's residents.

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Air pollution around District 1 is harmful to human health

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: gogo.mn

According to information on the agaar.mn website, which measures air quality indices, as of 9:00 today, the air in District 1 and areas near Tolgoit is highly polluted. Based on the descriptions from agaar.mn: - Clean: No adverse effects on human health. - Normal: Meets air quality standards. However, some hypersensitive individuals may show symptoms of respiratory diseases. - Low Pollution: Adverse effects on the health of hypersensitive individuals. People with chronic heart and respiratory diseases, particularly those with asthma, may experience greater effects. - Polluted: Adverse effects begin to manifest on human health. The adverse effects on hypersensitive individuals' health can be severe. - High Pollution: Prolonged outdoor exposure can significantly affect human health. - Very High Pollution: Adverse effects on human health are present.

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President's Meeting on Air Pollution Issue Absent Key Leaders

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: isee.mn

The President of Mongolia, U. Khurelsukh, convened a meeting today with cabinet ministers, the heads of party factions in the Parliament, and other officials to give directives on the issue of air pollution. According to the head of the President's Press and Media Department, Zolbayar O., during the initial production of compressed coal, the level of pollution had decreased by 40-50%. Today, the president addressed why this success has been reversed. The president also reminded that surveillance and inspections have weakened. Reducing pollution is not the responsibility of a single organization; rather, state organizations need to work together and improve their coordination. The Prime Minister did not participate in the meeting due to important reasons, although he had been invited. The Speaker of the Parliament, faction leaders, and Deputy Prime Ministers attended the meeting. Besides the Prime Minister, City Mayor Kh. Nyambaatar also did not participate, instead sending his second deputy A. Amartuvshin in his place. The main organization of work to reduce air pollution should be carried out by the government and the city mayor's office. However, despite the recent high levels of air pollution, nobody seems to be coming forward to discuss solutions or present plans. It remains unclear who is in charge of the effort to reduce pollution; the responsibility seems to be unattended. While the President is taking action on the air pollution issue, neither the Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene nor the city mayors participated in the meeting. Interestingly, this morning, the wind in Bayankhoshuu was at 0.5 m/s, with PM 2.5 exceeding 500 and SO2 over 308. In Tolgoit, PM 2.5 was over 402, PM10 was 256, and around the 1st neighborhood, PM 2.5 was 486, SO2 was 212, and in Khailaast, PM10 was 443, PM 2.5 was 439. These figures have reached levels that are considered 'extremely polluted.'

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S. Byambatsogt: The President has given a deadline for the air pollution issue

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: news.mn

The Minister of Defense, S. Byambatsogt, provided information to journalists today. He said, "The President of Mongolia summoned members of the government cabinet, the Speaker of the State Great Khural, and party group leaders and gave instructions regarding the air pollution issue. When the President was the Prime Minister in 2019, 2020, and 2021, there was a history of Ulaanbaatar city becoming smoke-free. We all know that air pollution had decreased by half during that time. He was also talking about that period. Everyone paid attention to this issue, stopped burning raw coal, and replaced the filters of power plant boilers. Police, professional inspections, and emergency services exercised very strict control. A national committee was established, which monitored households from the hills, watching what they were burning. They monitored and held accountable those burning raw coal, soaking it in large fabrics, burning tires, etc. If you improve your work in a similar way, there is an opportunity to solve the smoke issue. Previously, we managed to reduce the work by half. In the future, please pay special attention to building engineering facilities aimed at eliminating the need for combustion. Why was professional inspection abolished, and why was the National Committee for Improving Air and Environmental Monitoring dissolved? Why did the coordination of work deteriorate, leading to increased pollution? It was said that the situation getting worse compared to before is related to your work. Instructions were given to the police and intelligence agencies to participate and hold those responsible. It was noted that previously, in 2020 and 2021, air pollution had reduced, and many resources were spent. You are not working well enough in paying attention to all these issues. The issue of improving carbon monoxide detectors was discussed. However, the distribution of stoves was not mentioned. The moisture content of the enhanced briquette fuel production is reportedly at 16-17 percent. According to standards, it should be five percent. The minister, sector heads, the National Emergency Management Agency, and briquette fuel factory employees in charge must work responsibly and achieve certain results."

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The President Meets with Prime Minister and Other Officials Regarding Pollution Issue

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: itoim.mn

The President, U. Khurelsukh, is currently holding a meeting in his office with the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the Parliament, members of the government, and city officials. Specifically, the President is listening to information from the relevant authorities about the pollution problem and is giving directions. The air pollution in Ulaanbaatar has increased this winter, leading to a rise in illnesses among children. Therefore, citizens have demanded that the President address the air pollution issue. Additionally, it should be noted that the Parliament's administrative office has set the conditions for holding a hearing regarding the air pollution problem.

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"MCS Coca-Cola" LLC Supports the Zorig Foundation's "Environmental Leadership" Program

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: ikon.mn

MCS Coca-Cola LLC has decided to support the Zorig Foundation's "Environmental Leadership" program aimed at young people interested in joining the fight against global climate change and implementing Sustainable Development Goals. The "Environmental Leadership" program will be implemented over eight months with the goal of raising public awareness about environmental issues and increasing youth participation in solving them. Youths participating in the program are divided into four groups, will raise funds themselves, and implement micro-projects aimed at addressing environmental issues. B. Tsolmon, Executive Director of the Zorig Foundation, states that previously, the foundation has received funding from foreign projects and other organizations. This year, it is the first time that a producer company actively responsible for its waste, "MCS Coca-Cola," is supporting our program. We are grateful that "MCS Coca-Cola" pays special attention to environmental issues and decided to support our program. E. Oyun-Erdene, Public Relations and Communications Manager of MCS Coca-Cola LLC, said: "Because the 'Environmental Leadership' program aims to provide environmental education and empower youth against climate change, our company has decided to support this program. Since the foundation of MCS Coca-Cola, we have been implementing environmentally friendly projects, such as improving water efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, responsibly handling waste, and recycling. In its 15th year, this year's "Environmental Leadership" program has selected 22 young people up to the age of 25, 70% of whom work in the environmental field. Until July next year, they will become acquainted with all aspects of environmental issues and develop their capabilities and implement projects. Over the years, 260 young people have participated in the "Environmental Leadership" program, and 52 projects have been implemented. Warning: Media organizations (TV, Radio, Social, and Web pages) must mention the source (ikon.mn) when using our information in any form or partially.

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The President Orders Reduction of Air Pollution and Achieving Results

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: news.mn

President's spokesperson Ö. Zolbayar answered journalists' questions. - President U. Khürelsükh met with the Speaker of the Parliament, heads of party factions in the Parliament, and members of the Government today, giving specific tasks to reduce air pollution in the capital city. Can you clarify this? What tasks are expected to be done? - Initially in 2019, when briquettes were produced, the level of smoke was reduced by 40-50%. Why have we regressed from that situation? The question raised by the President is why briquettes, which should improve, have worsened. He emphasized focusing on monitoring and oversight of the drying and ingredients, including binders, of briquettes. Reducing air pollution is not the responsibility of a single organization; the entire government must work in coordination to achieve results. State agencies need to improve their coordination and actively work on this issue. - Why was the previously existing National Committee on Reducing Air and Environmental Pollution dissolved? The Professional Inspection Agency used to monitor the entry and exit of raw coal in Ulaanbaatar, which has been dissolved. Monitoring and inspection have disappeared. The President expressed his stance on these issues. - Did the Prime Minister participate in the meeting? - The Prime Minister did not participate due to valid reasons. The Speaker of the Parliament and heads of party factions in the Parliament participated. - Why has the quality of briquettes deteriorated? Is it due to technological shortcomings or the drying process of briquettes? - The level of drying of the briquettes, compared to what it was in the past and now, was discussed. It has been confirmed by some laboratory analyses that the increased moisture content in the briquettes causes more smoke and fumes. - There are discussions and meetings, but no results. Isn't there a need to achieve concrete results? - Countries, such as London and Paris, initially used raw coal to heat their homes and keep warm in winter. Later, they switched to briquettes and then to semi-coked fuel, eventually solving air pollution by using gas as the perfect solution. We also used raw coal until Prime Minister U. Khürelsükh, who is now the President, banned it. With that developmental stage, we transitioned from using raw coal to banning it. Enhancing the coordination of governmental agencies and asking who is responsible are issues being raised. Raising such issues marks the beginning of achieving results. - There is information that police and intelligence officials participated in the meeting. What was their role? - The Intelligence and Police Department officials participated by listening to information. Specific tasks were assigned, but it's not possible to provide further details on this at this time.

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The President Calls Ministers and Gives Directions to Reduce Pollution

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The President of Mongolia, U. Khurelsukh, called upon the members of the Parliament, the government, and the management of Tavantolgoi Fuel Company to hear reports on efforts to reduce air pollution and gave directions to reduce pollution. The President noted that in 2019, the introduction of manufactured fuel led to a noticeable decrease in pollution. However, he raised the question of why pollution has increased further despite the complete use of manufactured fuel in the capital's ger districts nowadays. He has given instructions to pay attention to the quality and composition of the fuel.

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President's Smoke Meeting Excludes Prime Minister and City Heads

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: itoim.mn

President Khurelsukh met today with the Speaker of the State Great Khural, Cabinet members, the Chief of Police, the Head of the General Intelligence Agency, and other relevant officials regarding the smoke issue in Ulaanbaatar. He provided directives during the meeting. Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene and the Governor of Ulaanbaatar, Nyambaatar, did not attend the meeting. The Prime Minister cited a respectful reason for his absence, while the Deputy Governor attended in place of the City Governor. The two most important officials did not participate in the President's smoke meeting. It should be noted that the briquette manufacturing plants in the capital, used by residents, have been transferred under the jurisdiction of the capital. When the President was Prime Minister between 2019-2021, Ulaanbaatar reportedly became smoke-free, and air pollution was halved. However, the President criticized the current lack of control and noted that there has been a regression in air pollution since then. Additionally, he suggested that the dissolution of the National Committee against smoke and the General Agency for Specialized Inspection has contributed to the increase in smoke.

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VIDEO: Head of ETG G. Zandanshatar Refuses to Provide Information on Air Pollution Issue

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: isee.mn

Residents of the capital city have been voicing their concerns and frustration over the increase in air pollution compared to previous years. The President of Mongolia, U. Khurelsukh, gathered government ministers, party leaders in Parliament, and other officials to discuss and address the issue of smog. Attempts were made to obtain information on air pollution from the head of the Presidential Administration, G. Zandanshatar, but he refused to provide any clarifications.

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Air Quality Alert in Ulaanbaatar

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The air in Khailaast is "Very Highly Polluted." It is advised not to go outside in such conditions. As of 19:40, the air pollution in Ulaanbaatar is very high, so please wear a mask if you need to go outside. The schools, kindergartens, and offices are finishing for the day, and at this time the air quality monitors display the following information. Let us share the latest air quality data at 19:30 from the air pollution measuring devices operated by the National Agency of Meteorology and Environment Monitoring. In the outlying ger districts of the city, pollution is most severe. As of 19:30, the air quality measuring device in Khailaast shows a reading of 413, labeled as "Very Highly Polluted." During "Very Highly Polluted" conditions: Everyone should avoid doing any strenuous physical activities outdoors and stay at home. It is important to go to areas with clean air. People with chronic diseases should monitor their blood pressure regularly, stay under medical supervision, and take their medication in a timely manner. It is advisable to stay away from sources that emit a large amount of carbon monoxide (such as roads). Additionally, wearing a mask is recommended.

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Fire in Bayantümen, Dornod Province

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: isee.mn

A forest fire broke out in Bayantümen, Dornod Province, affecting 7000 hectares. A report about a wildfire in the "Süülde Ondör Uul" area of the 2nd Bag of Bayantümen sum, located 110 km southeast of the aimag center and 130 km southeast of the sum center, was received by the National Emergency Management Agency at 13:45 on December 15th. In response to the report, personnel from the agency's Rescue Brigade, Bayantümen Professional Brigade officers, and local residents worked together and fully extinguished the fire at 21:03 the same day. Preliminary estimates indicate that approximately 7000 hectares of land were affected by the fire.

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Innovation

Over 127,000 e-Visas Issued to Foreign Nationals Since 2021

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The government has decided to continue the "Visit Mongolia Year" initiative until 2028, with the goal of promoting Mongolia internationally as well as to private sectors, and to domestic and foreign citizens. As part of the government's tourism development policy, an electronic visa system, evisa.mn, has been implemented to issue four types of electronic visas: tourist (K2), cultural art and sports competition participant (K4), and transit (K6). From 2021 onward, 127,936 foreign nationals have been issued electronic visas, with the number of foreign applicants increasing each year. Specifically, by the joint order of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Justice and Home Affairs, 31,242 e-visas have been issued to citizens of 99 countries listed in the "Country List for Issuing Electronic Visas to Mongolia" in 2023, and 88,794 e-visas have been issued in the first 11 months of this year, marking a 2.8-fold increase compared to previous figures. In 2024, 77,448 applications were from China, 1,334 from India, 677 from South Korea, 391 from Indonesia, and 8,944 from other countries. When applying for an e-visa, applicants must complete the application accurately and fully on the https://evisa.mn system and pay the necessary fees. Upon approval, an e-visa in the form of a QR code containing the applicant's information is sent to their email within 48 hours. Additionally, citizens of 34 countries, including European countries, Australia, and New Zealand, who were previously in the list for electronic visas, are temporarily exempted from visa requirements, allowing citizens of 65 countries to travel to Mongolia visa-free.

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TODAY: "Digital Environment and Professional Journalism" Discussion to be Held

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Overview of some events on Monday, December 16: 09:00 AM: At "Chinggis Khan" Museum: Academic conference "Philology-2024" dedicated to the 160th anniversary of Onkhodyn Jamyan, the first director of the Academy of Sciences. 09:00 AM: At "Ulaanbaatar" Hotel: The conference "Digital Environment and Professional Journalism" organized by the State University of Culture and the Ts. Baldorj Foundation. 10:00 AM: Behind the Government Palace, on the 2nd floor of "Flora" flower shop: "Food Production and Sustainable Growth" meeting and discussion. 11:00 AM: At the library of the Mongolian University of Science and Technology: Opening of the book "Artificial Intelligence" by honored lecturer, doctor, professor B. Damdinsuren. Contact: 8999-9993. 11:00 AM: In the hall of the Ministry of Health: Information and recommendations on influenza and influenza-like illnesses. 11:30 AM: At the "ZM" Information Center: Economist B. Osorgarav and some other economists will express their views on major projects in the capital city. 11:00-12:30 PM: At the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry: Discussion on the "Foreign Investment Law" draft.

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S. Tulga: The E-Mongolia system allows access to 1263 services from 87 organizations online

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: isee.mn

S. Tulga, Head of System Integration Division of "E-Mongolia Academy" NLC, addressed common questions from the public about the E-Mongolia system's updates and security. - Hello. The E-Mongolia system has become faster, easier, and more accessible for obtaining government services, integrating into daily use for citizens. Let's start today's conversation by discussing how this system operates. The E-Mongolia system delivers government services with ease and accessibility through channels such as a mobile application, web platform, in-person service operator systems, and kiosks for citizens living or working abroad. The system functions by identifying users through the DAN (Authentication and Identification) system, obtaining user information from the relevant organization via the State Information Exchange or "KHUR" system to display certificates and references. If a service requires multiple steps, it routes requests to the relevant government service representative. We do not create new personal information databases; instead, we provide services by using information provided by data-holding organizations through the "KHUR" system. - More than 4 years have passed since the introduction of the E-Mongolia system. It is clear that citizens save time and money by accessing government services online. What economic benefits have resulted from this? In 2019, the Government of Mongolia initiated the E-Mongolia project, and by October 1, 2020, launched a system allowing mobile access to 181 services from the 23 most-used organizations. Now, the system provides access to 1263 services from 87 organizations online. Over 4 years, E-Mongolia has successfully provided 62 million services to 1.9 million users, resulting in savings of 1.2 trillion MNT for citizens. Previously, accessing traditional government services required 2 hours and 30 minutes, but with the E-Mongolia system, this can be done in 3 minutes. When averaged, each citizen uses government services 6 times a year, equating to a time loss of 15 hours or 2 full working days annually. On average, 7580 citizens receive government services every day, previously spending a total of 18,950 hours using traditional methods. By using the E-Mongolia system, citizens of Mongolia save 3,182,876 hours monthly, equivalent to covering Sukhbaatar Square 6 times over with paper. Our "E-Mongolia Academy" NLC's Training Department has organized 1843 hours of online and offline digital skill training for 67,750 citizens and government employees across 21 provinces and 9 districts. - How do you protect users' personal data and ensure the security of citizen information? The protection of personal information must be highly confidential. We maintain the security of service-related information such as requests, references, and other queries passing through us. With the assistance of the National Data Center and advanced international technology, we rigorously ensure data security. We are preparing to implement international standards ISO 9001 and 27001. For instance, every user session is encrypted with unique algorithms, so partial decryption is impossible. External access is protected by two-level security solutions. The first level employs Cloud WAF to analyze and secure all traffic. The next level involves the National Data Center's security division overseeing and analyzing all traffic data. - Some users experience delays like "updating information" when accessing the E-Mongolia app. How are you addressing speed improvements? We consistently improve the E-Mongolia system, introducing new services and features with weekly updates. Each login checks for new updates, downloading them if available, resulting in maximum updates around 100kb (very small). If there is a delay, it is typically internet speed-related. However, if service errors arise, they likely stem from the organization providing the service. - What are the most common services accessed by citizens through the E-Mongolia system? As mentioned, the system offers 1263 services from 87 organizations. Citizens' needs vary, but for instance, the Social Insurance Payment Certificate is frequently accessed - 14,183,927 times. We will continue to quickly introduce needed services through professional research and analysis. - How are complaints regarding E-Mongolia services addressed? Our "E-Mongolia Academy" NLC's Customer Service Department operates via two lines on 11-11 from 08:00 to 17:00 on weekdays and receives inquiries through social media 24/7, forwarding issues to relevant departments and providing guidance. We ensure issues are resolved even when calls overlap or are missed, by re-engaging with the callers. - Where does Mongolia rank globally in terms of e-governance, and what are the future goals and developments for the E-Mongolia system? The UN updates the "E-Government Development Index" every two years. Previously, Mongolia ranked 92nd in 2018 and 2020 among 193 UN member countries and improved to 74th place in 2022. By 2024, we advanced to 46th place, marking unprecedented success. We are striving to enhance the variety, quality, and accessibility of e-services. This index is compiled over more than a year by external teams and considers factors such as a country's telecommunications infrastructure development, the number of online government services, citizens' digital skills, human resource development, citizen participation in digital spheres, legal and policy environments, long-term digital policies and strategies, and transparency. Additionally, according to the global innovation index, Mongolia ranked 58th in 2020, 71st in 2022, and advanced to 67th in 2024. Moving forward, as outlined in the Government of Mongolia's 2024-2028 Action Programme, we aim to develop the "Smart E-Mongolia" system capable of resolving requests using artificial intelligence across all government services. We thank citizens for supporting digital transition by integrating government e-services into their daily lives through the unified E-Mongolia system, saving valuable time. - Thank you for your time. We wish you success in your endeavors.

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Artificial Intelligence Begins to Control Humanity

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

Artificial intelligence is becoming more sophisticated and is being updated daily. Therefore, scientists are warning the global public of the urgent need to beware of potential dangers stemming from the use of technology and its applications. Geoffrey Hinton, known as the "godfather of AI," stated that "Artificial intelligence is likely to become smarter than humans and may begin to control us. Thus, we must worry about how to prevent this and find solutions." It is not just Hinton; many scientists and researchers are concerned about this issue. Elon Musk, founder of Tesla and SpaceX, has urged a temporary halt to major AI experiments, warning that technology could pose significant risks to society and humanity. In simple terms, AI is a kind of machine, a robot, that can perform tasks requiring human intelligence easily. It was created to emulate human thought and continually strives to match that level. These are new technological advancements that can replace some of our actions. Mongolians don't pay much attention to artificial intelligence, but platforms such as AR, VR, Siri, Google, Facebook, and Instagram, created using AI, have become our daily essentials. Taking a break from the digital world for just a day leaves us feeling "disconnected" from the universe and estranged from information. Artificial intelligence enables the creation of images, videos, voice-changing tools, and the spread of fake news in the political and social spheres, shaking up the role of media in society. Anyone can run an online news site using technology, infringing on people's right to know. Most citizens can no longer distinguish between true and false information. The saying "seeing is believing, hearing is not" has lost its value. Even deceased individuals can be "revived," creating edited videos of them being with someone. Furthermore, information security has almost reached the level of a disaster. New books, movies, and magazines released by some authors are immediately available on the "Darkweb." According to research conducted by Ave Point, the issue enterprises are most concerned about is information security and confidentiality because artificial intelligence accumulates a large amount of data. However, what this data is used for and how it is managed is unclear, and related regulations are either scarce or almost nonexistent. Business owners are unsure about whom to hold accountable if they lose their data. Researchers continue to warn that artificial intelligence is developing quickly, becoming more sensitive, and is almost out of human control. For instance, a few years ago in Russia, a 14-year-old girl from a certain family received pregnancy-related advertisements online. Her parents filed a complaint against the company that advertised the inappropriate product to their daughter. It turned out that AI had assessed her condition and all aspects and deemed her pregnant. Tests confirmed the girl was indeed pregnant. The Internet community buzzed about the development of AI to such an extent, illustrating both the wonders and dangers of artificial intelligence. As AI technology becomes more accessible, the number of people using it for criminal purposes is increasing. Covering their tracks electronically, people hide their identity, age, and gender, and extort minors not only in Mongolia but worldwide. Our citizens' understanding of the digital environment is poor. Therefore, losing their personal information and becoming victims of cyber fraud is not uncommon. Related officials say children and those over 40 are usually the victims of such fraud. Cyber fraudsters often use AI to change their voices and impersonate others. Additionally, police departments in the U.S. are increasingly using algorithms to predict where crimes will occur. This is an example of keeping up with the technological age. But is it truly the future of law enforcement? Moreover, China is increasing the use of facial recognition technology in offices, schools, streets, and squares. China's authorities use this to collect information to monitor their citizens' communications and political views. AI leaning towards one side has been fostering injustice and discrimination in European countries. Relying too much on AI technology carries the risk of reducing human influence. For example, using AI in healthcare diminishes the human emotion of empathy. Therefore, although AI can ease our daily tasks significantly, it is a powerful "weapon" potentially capable of replacing humans and ultimately causing societal collapse. Globally, people are exchanging ideas on how to organize and control AI. For instance, U.S. President Joe Biden signed an order demanding federal agencies develop new rules and guidelines for AI and security. Hence, this is not just a "disaster" faced by a single person or nation. Recently, creators of the technology warned it could have stronger adverse effects and consequences than global pandemics. Yet, in our efforts to keep up with technological advancements, we lose all our information and make our children reliant on "smart" devices. Smart robots, the Internet, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, automation, VR, and AR technologies are entering our daily lives, and AI continues to expand its scope. Thanks to these technologies, we can save time and money and live more conveniently. For instance, OpenAI introduced "ChatGPT" technology, opening the opportunity to gather information from many sources, not limited to Google and Wikipedia. However, it also has its downsides. Children increasingly use ChatGPT to do their homework. They upload an image to solve their problems or write essays. While it saves time, it also fosters a mindset of dependency among the youth, who are the future of the country, making them slaves to technology. Furthermore, they are losing their creative thinking skills and the desire to innovate, and to see things from different perspectives. Major companies are developing and testing search systems based on AI. This poses the risk of some jobs disappearing in the near future. Jobs like vendors, receptionists, customer service personnel, bank clerks, writers, translators, drivers, and marketing managers are at risk of being replaced. The rapid growth of AI-based devices significantly increases unemployment. In general, the resulting job scarcity is expected to exacerbate social and economic inequality. For example, due to automation, office workers' salaries have decreased by 70%. When interacting with AI systems, securing your data now and in the future is crucial to our safety. Avoid sharing personal information with others. Do not share your full name, address, phone number, financial details, or passwords. Also, check how AI services store, process, and use your data. Choose the most reliable platforms. Moreover, be cautious about accessing unsecured or public Wi-Fi networks.

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Health

Published: 2024-12-16 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

As the cold intensifies and air pollution increases, the well-being of mothers living in Ulaanbaatar, particularly those with young children, significantly declines beyond personal control. Specifically, when assessing the well-being of mothers living in the capital using internationally recognized methods based on 10 key criteria, it was found that health, economy, social relations, and education are severely affected by air pollution. The Independent Research Institute of Mongolia (IRIM) conducted a study titled "The Social Well-Being of Mothers with Young Children During Air Pollution in Mongolia" and concluded as such. The study was conducted using a visual narrative method, monitoring the lives of 10 mothers living in the most polluted areas of the capital, both in ger and apartment housing, with preschool and school-age children for one month. Daily information was verified with images and data collected. It was found that due to the impact of air pollution, the daily life rhythms and patterns of the mothers had noticeably changed, placing them under economic strain, restricting their social relations, and presenting numerous challenges to their and their family members' education and health. As a result, common issues observed included depression, reduced emotional responses, and decreased life satisfaction. Although mothers make sufficient efforts to overcome difficulties arising from air pollution, social and environmental factors devalue their efforts. Researchers suggest that family and friends' support and active communication among mothers facing similar challenges are crucial in enhancing their resilience to the problem. Also, it would be effective to perform impact work directed at family members to ease the burden and support networks of people with similar issues as advocacy groups. It was emphasized that mothers should be empowered and their information literacy should be improved.

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Artificial Intelligence Begins to Control Humanity

Health

Mothers' Health, Economy, Education, and Social Relations are Being Disrupted Due to Air Pollution

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