Feb 1, 2025 71 min read Daily News Summaries

Mongolia News Summary for February 01, 2025

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

Today's Stories

Politics

In the Long Run, Shift Towards a System Where Everyone Pays Taxes

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: isee.mn

The working group established by the order of the Speaker of the State Great Khural (2024 Order No. 292), together with the Standing Committee on Budget, is organizing a series of discussions on "Tax Law Reform." Within this framework, the third discussion on the topic "Implementation of the Law on Personal Income Tax, Challenges, and Solutions" was held today at the State Palace. Mongolia's tax system has undergone several stages of policy and reform implementation by the government since 1990, depending on social and economic development and the demands of the times. With the new tax reforms effective from January 1, 2020, the revised Law on Personal Income Tax introduced a simplified tax system, aimed at making tax relations for individuals earning income through micro-trading, work, and services simple and understandable. This allows for foreign taxes paid to be deducted from owed taxes, defines the tax payment and reporting timelines for residents and non-residents of Mongolia, grants tax reductions and exemptions, and refines certain tax relationship aspects by lowering some types of official tax rates. Yet, some regulations within the law have been reported to be unfavorable and ineffective for taxpayers according to relevant studies and complaints from citizens and businesses, prompting this discussion, highlighted by Member of Parliament R. Batbold. B. Telmuun, the Director of the Tax Policy Department of the Ministry of Finance, presented on "Implementation of the Law on Personal Income Tax, Current Situations, and Measures to be Taken." He explained that the law underwent a revised draft in 2019. Until 2007, Mongolia had a high-tier tax. Since the shift to the new system, a base tax rate of 10 has been established, and the 10 percent tax rate is not considered high compared to other countries worldwide. Currently, the law provides for a total of 12 deductions and 9 exemptions. The main issue related to the Personal Income Tax is how self-employed people report their taxes. Therefore, the ministry is working towards a system where everyone reports and pays taxes through economic incentives rather than administrative methods in the long term. For low-income individuals, deductions and exemptions are implemented in a stepped manner. However, individuals with business income have the opportunity to pay a simplified tax of one percent. Retired and disabled individuals are exempt from this tax, the presenter emphasized. As of the 29th of this month, over 120,000 suggestions were submitted by 36,000 citizens and 52,000 businesses. The proposals strongly advocate for lowering the tax rate tiers, and the Ministry of Finance is analyzing the current deductions and exemptions to make them effective and comprehensive. They are examining new income sources not subject to taxation and focusing on including citizens who do not pay or evade taxes in their policy considerations. Participants in the discussion asked questions, shared opinions, and expressed their positions on the presentations and topics discussed. Furthermore, participants noted that the personal income tax would form the future tax base. Thus, the Ministry of Finance and professional bodies need to pay particular attention and called for bold reforms like those seen in the VAT incentive system, suggesting introducing a system where a certain portion of paid taxes could be granted as a reward at the end of the year, announced the Parliament's Press Office.

Back to Table of Contents

2025 Announced as the "Year of Fighting Corruption"

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: montsame.mn

In Ulaanbaatar, the first meeting of the subcommittee coordinating efforts to prevent crime in the capital was held at the Anti-Corruption Agency. Representatives from 33 organizations participated, presenting the plan for crime prevention initiatives aimed to be implemented in 2025. During this event, A. Bayar, the Chairman of the City Council and head of the subcommittee for crime prevention, along with officials from the Anti-Corruption Agency, the National Police Agency, and the Traffic Police Department, provided information. It was officially announced that 2025 will be declared the "Year of Fighting Corruption." In this context, a project and program have been approved to collaborate on improving laws and regulations to eliminate bureaucratic pressure in municipal services. By approving this, conditions will be created for citizens to whistleblow, working in partnership with the Anti-Corruption Agency and the City Prosecutor's Office. For instance, efforts will include implementing "clearing" and "transparent" operations to ensure that public services are open and free from oppression and inconvenience for citizens. A. Bayar, while speaking, mentioned, "Research shows that 54% of domestic violence cases and 30% of criminal offenders committed offenses under the influence of alcohol. Therefore, let’s limit alcohol consumption among youth and promote non-alcoholic beer and wine options. Let's combat road aggression. Although major campaigns are initiated by the National Police Agency, the awareness of drivers is not improving. Drivers are ignoring traffic police managing roadways, speeding through school zones without reducing speed or paying attention. Let's prepare patriotic citizens twenty years from now, starting today. To do this, let's conduct cultural awareness, influence, and practical works in stages in collaboration with the General Staff of the Armed Forces." Committee members agreed to focus their efforts in 2025 on the development of children and youth, road safety, increasing the participation of civil society organizations, and reducing domestic violence and fraud crimes, as evidenced in their approved plan.

Back to Table of Contents

A.Bayar: We Will Eliminate Corruption and Coercion from State Services in the Capital

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: news.mn

The Coordinating Sector Council for Crime Prevention in the capital held a press conference today. The Chairman of the City Council, A. BAYAR, stated: "We are designating 2025 as the year against corruption. We are working on major projects and programs aimed at eliminating coercion in state services within the capital, minimizing time spent on such services, and improving the legal framework. Also, we are organizing broom and whistle operations. In this context, it is crucial for government officials in Ulaanbaatar to provide open and transparent state services without being influenced by corruption or personal interests. We want to give citizens the opportunity to 'blow the whistle.' In other words, we want to educate them on the harmful effects of corruption and personal interests and provide them with the means to inform the public about officials involved in corrupt practices. All of these initiatives are being organized in collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Agency and the City Prosecutor's Office. We have received information from professional organizations that the broom operations previously implemented had yielded positive results. Hence, we have decided to develop a plan for recruiting government officials through open competition, not through personal connections. The capital city has a population of 1.6 million. The main demand of the residents is to live in a comfortable and pleasant environment. Therefore, policymakers need to address how to create a crime-free and pleasant living environment for citizens in a short period. For the first time, we are preparing policy documents and a legal framework focusing on prevention. To give a simple example from current reality, half of the calls to the police from businesses are related to crimes and violations happening at those businesses, indicating that the police are managing private security operations for these enterprises. Thus, we will implement the policy of 'one object - one crime.' If we can create an environment where no further crimes happen at a site following an initial crime, the conditions for police work will move in the right direction. Collaboration is crucial in crime prevention. Recently, the number of crimes and violations related to alcohol dependence has been alarming. 54% of domestic violence crimes are committed under the influence of alcohol, and more than 30% of criminal offenses are committed by people under the influence as well. According to my information, 24,000 youths under the age of 29 are serving sentences. This is a deeply concerning figure. Therefore, it is futile to organize preventive measures against crimes in the capital without tackling crimes and violations related to alcohol. Thus, our future operations will focus on this area. We have previously organized many impact campaigns, broadcasting content such as 'Skip Me!' and 'Don’t Offer Alcohol!' through public media. However, a problem persists as service establishments rarely sell products with 0% alcohol. We aim to address this gap by enabling more choices in non-alcoholic products, which could influence young people's decision to reject alcohol. Service offerings such as 0-degree beer and wine should be available to youth. To prevent crime, we will work jointly with service providers as mentioned earlier, making it possible to reduce crime and violations associated with alcohol dependence. Regarding cybercrime, it is shocking that of every 10 perpetrators, six to seven are mothers at home taking care of their children. Therefore, we cannot speak of making Ulaanbaatar city crime-free without combating cybercrime. Recently, youth addiction to online gambling has increased significantly, with money flowing abroad due to online gambling amounting to 200 million USD. This is an issue that needs to be addressed at the level of national security.

Back to Table of Contents

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Ulaanbaatar. Since 2008, our country has been celebrating January 31 every year as "Civil Society Day." On this day, issues related to civil society are traditionally discussed. This time, a multi-faceted discussion on civil space was organized by the Office of the President of Mongolia in collaboration with the "Mongolian Youth Union," a non-governmental organization. The discussion was attended by over 40 representatives from various civil society organizations, D. Davaadorj, Advisor to the President of Mongolia on Youth Policy, Members of Parliament O. Saranchuluun and Kh. Baasanjargal, Member of the National Human Rights Commission S. Dondov, Head of the Political, Press, and Information Section of the European Union Delegation in Mongolia, Christoph Foraks, and Resident Representative B. Munkhishig of the international organization "People in Need," along with representatives from the US Embassy. Additionally, guest speakers Joseph Benedict, researcher for the Asia-Pacific region of the "Civicus" organization, and Julie Hunter, Senior Legal Adviser at the International Center for Non-Profit Law, participated. As a result of the discussion, the parties discussed the state's policy towards civil society, the law on civil society organizations, the law on youth development, and the legal guarantees that regulate the space and relations reflecting political rights, the rule of law, and democratic values such as equality. The participants exchanged information and shared opinions with representatives of state and non-state organizations. Meanwhile, D. Davaadorj, Advisor to the President of Mongolia on Youth Policy, stated, "Civil society organizations play a crucial role in democracy, justice, human rights, and social development. Their activities bring positive changes in society and balance between the government and the private sector, increasing accountability. Therefore, supporting civil society organizations and collaborating with them is a central policy of the President of Mongolia and a key to developing the country. You are the main representatives who serve as a bridge for public opinion and participation in government policies and decisions, protecting justice, supporting human rights and freedoms, and ensuring fairness and equality, especially during times of social and economic transition." Follow @montsame.mn

Back to Table of Contents

D. Amarbayasgalan: Adopting a Budget Without a Deficit for the First Time Reflects Parliament's Pluralistic Approach

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: isee.mn

Chairman of the State Great Khural of Mongolia, D. Amarbayasgalan, and Member of the Parliament E. Bolormaa visited Biger, Chandmani, and Erdene soums of Govi-Altai province to present the laws and policies adopted during the autumn session of the Parliament, which was established in the 9th election with 126 members. This new parliament, which includes representatives from five parties and coalitions, and maintains pluralistic views, is working towards laws and regulations to protect human rights and adhere to the needs of the times, through the "Three Progressions" policy. At the beginning of the meeting, Chairman D. Amarbayasgalan highlighted that under this policy, over 80 working groups have been established by the order of the Chairman to begin implementing legal reforms. The "Three Progressions" policy aims to regulate newly emerging relationships through laws and create the opportunity to live in a society where human rights are respected and equality is ensured. For the first time, during the autumn session of the State Great Khural, the 2025 budget was discussed twice, leading to the adoption of a budget without a deficit for the first time in Mongolia. This is a simple example of how representatives from every sector can decision-make and approach issues with a pluralistic perspective. Therefore, public expectations from the new parliament are high, noted Chairman during the meeting. Residents of Biger, Chandmani, and Erdene soums in Govi-Altai province expressed their concerns and suggestions on issues such as speeding up the construction of the paved roads, the opening of the Naransavstai port, and resolving water reservoir matters urgently. Chairman D. Amarbayasgalan stated that "Western region residents travel 1500 km to reach the market. Therefore, in order to create opportunities for residents living far away to have their market and improve their living standards, infrastructure developments like roads and port renewals are planned for the coming years. For instance, connecting soums in Govi-Altai to the provincial center with paved roads includes completing the project plans of the 278 km Altai-Burgastai road and the 178 km Altai-Uliastai road." After the project plans are completed, investments will be decided, and construction will begin. Once the Altai-Burgastai road is complete, it will connect the Sharag, Bugat, Tsel, and Altai soums in Govi-Altai with the provincial center through a paved road. Additionally, with the approval of a 6.6 billion tugrik budget to construct water reservoirs in the western region, the Chairman supported the budget for trenching works in Erdene soum. Member of Parliament E. Bolormaa clarified that a working group was established on January 15, 2025, to study and develop a proposal based on 33,407 citizens' petition to remove the clause "Restoring and opening Naransavstai port." As a member of the working group, she highlighted that the matter of Naransavstai port will be thoroughly discussed with the involvement of multiple parties, based on calculations and studies.

Back to Table of Contents

H.Battulga to Hold 'Natural Resources for Every Citizen' Meeting

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: isee.mn

Before the 2024 parliamentary elections, Khaltmaa Battulga and S. Ganbaatar embarked on a "Blue Flag" tour, meeting with rural residents. During these meetings, they conducted a poll asking, "Is it right to change the name and logo of the Democratic Party?" Now, Member of Parliament Kh. Battulga and his faction members S. Ganbaatar, L. Munkhbayasgalan, O. Shijir, and D. Jargalsaikhan are planning to meet with the residents of Khuvsgul, Bulgan, and Orkhon provinces starting tomorrow. The topic of their meeting is expected to be "34-50% of natural resources for every citizen." Meanwhile, director B. Baatar from Hero Entertainment seems to be preparing a program with the theme "Natural Wealth in the Hands of the People," aimed at contributing to the cause of making natural resources beneficial for every citizen. He announced on his Twitter account that soon they will broadcast a program on the important topic of advocating for and disseminating the law on the 'Wealth Fund' to directly deliver the benefits of natural resources to every citizen and pass them on to future generations. Contributing to the cause of making natural resources beneficial for every citizen!

Back to Table of Contents

Economy

"Business and Investment Opportunities" Conference Held

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: news.mn

The "Post-COP: Business and Investment Opportunities" conference was organized by the Mongolian Business Council and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. The conference included representatives from the government, private sector, and international organizations, discussing climate policy, green financing, and the development of the carbon market. They exchanged views on Mongolia's climate goals and international cooperation. B. Javkhlan, Presidential Advisor for Project Coordination and Civil Society Policy, led a high-level panel discussion at the conference. Panel participants included Katie Smith, Australian Ambassador to Mongolia; Ina Marčiulionytė, European Union Ambassador to Mongolia; Giovanna Piccarreta, Italian Ambassador to Mongolia; and N. Chimgeendar, Head of the Secretariat for the UN Convention to Combat Desertification COP17 Preparatory Office. They shared their perspectives on the international level regarding the trends in climate investment following the Rio Conventions. During the event, Presidential Advisor B. Javkhlan referred to President U. Khurelsukh's speech at the World Leaders Summit on Climate Change, providing information on Mongolia's climate financing initiatives and the reform of the business environment. The role of the private sector in climate action, particularly in implementing green solutions and investing in green projects, was emphasized as crucial. The panelists supported this and discussed the importance of business involvement in implementing best practices for sustainable development. This conference was organized in connection with Mongolia hosting the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification for the first time in 2026.

Back to Table of Contents

Oyu Tolgoi spends seven trillion MNT domestically in 2024

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: gogo.mn

Oyu Tolgoi presented its fourth-quarter report for 2024. Last year, the company spent a total of 7 trillion MNT domestically on purchases made with national companies, other collaborations, taxes and fees paid to the budget, and salaries of its core employees. Additionally, 30 suppliers of Oyu Tolgoi were listed among the TOP 100 enterprises. A critical part of the underground mine development, the excavation of the northern ventilation shaft reached 1,175 meters, and the southern shaft reached 1,131 meters. This marks the successful completion of the main excavation works. The vertical shaft serves the purpose of intake and exhaust of air in the underground mine. It also enables the mine to reach its full production capacity. Each of these ventilation shafts, with diameters of 10 and 11 meters, respectively, are considered the largest in the world.

Back to Table of Contents

Interest Rate on Working Capital Loans Decreased

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Kapital Bank has reduced the interest rate on its "Working Capital Loan" to support small and medium-sized enterprises in expanding their business opportunities and increasing profitability. The bank is offering the lowest rate available. Loan Amount:
Individuals: Up to 1 billion MNT
Entities: Up to 2 billion MNT
Interest Rate (annual):
18.0% - 20.4%
Loan Term:
Up to 12 months
Wholesale and Retail Trade:
Aimed at supporting businesses and enterprises involved in trading consumer goods to expand their business operations. The wholesale and retail trade sector holds significant importance in the national economy and market, encompassing numerous business entities and jobs. Food Production:
Aimed at expanding business operations for individuals and enterprises involved in food production. Providing low-interest loans to food producers who deliver safe, reliably sourced food products to consumers is a sustainable and tangible investment. Agriculture Sector:
Aimed at expanding the business operations of individuals and enterprises engaged in the agricultural sector, especially in grain and vegetable production. By organizing the national harvest of food plants to the planned extent and increasing the processing capacity of food production, citizens will have increased access to healthy, quality food products. Furthermore, Kapital Bank pays special attention to supporting women entrepreneurs. Last year, in collaboration with the CU network and the Loan Guarantee Fund, it provided 2 billion MNT loans to 20 businesswomen for obtaining CU convenience store franchises at preferential and guaranteed terms. Kapital Bank aims to strengthen the position of small and medium-sized enterprises in the national economy and contribute to increasing job opportunities by providing low-interest “Working Capital Loans” to support them. Business owners can visit their nearest Kapital Bank branch to quickly get their working capital loan approved and expand their business. Let us support your sustainably growing business - Kapital Bank Notice: Media outlets (Television, Radio, Social, and Web pages) must cite the source (ikon.mn) when using our information, either fully or partially.

Back to Table of Contents

L. Tör-Od: Updating the Tax Package Law Can Reveal the Underground Economy

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The TOP 100 enterprises of our country alone constitute 30% of the total tax revenue. This is an increase of 6 trillion MNT compared to previous years. L. Tör-Od, the President of the MNCCI, noted during the discussion of the amendment of the tax package law that by updating the current tax legislation, which poses difficulties for business owners, it is possible to reveal the underground economy. He remarked, "The main issues for taxpayers are high tax thresholds, unequal payment, and the VAT rate. It is possible to reduce the value-added tax to up to 5% and return it in a staged manner. Furthermore, research has shown that the underground economy is expected to increase following the pandemic. Therefore, by updating the tax package law, it is possible to reveal the income not paid due to the impact of the underground economy, which is no less than 5% of the GDP, and concentrate the lost revenue into the state budget, allowing investments into major infrastructure projects, implementing programs and projects." The discussion continued today with the topic "Implementation of the Tax Package Law, Challenges, and Solutions" on its second day. The proposals from the discussion will be compiled and submitted to the working group for inclusion in the law. The MNCCI member enterprises produce 90% of the GDP and provide employment for 1 million people. Follow @montsame.mn

Back to Table of Contents

What Loans Are Available to Help You Develop Your Small and Medium-Sized Business?

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: itoim.mn

What should you do if one day your business cannot cover daily operating expenses such as wages, rent, and materials? The answer is quite simple. You can obtain a working capital loan, which is aimed at alleviating the financial burden on small and medium-sized business owners and financing daily operations. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have always played an important role in economic growth and job creation in their countries. In Mongolia, over 90% of all businesses belong to the SME category. They also account for about 50% of the total workforce, focusing mainly on sectors such as agriculture, food production, handicrafts, and wholesale trade. Therefore, the participation of the general public, business owners, financial institutions, and government is crucial in systematically addressing the issues facing this sector. It is no secret that many SME owners face risks such as business operation disruptions or shutdowns due to high interest rates and stringent loan conditions. In our country, particularly, the lack of advanced technology and outdated equipment significantly reduce productivity. People understand that in order to expand their operations and develop their business, they need to generate a certain level of profit and continue stable operations. However, obtaining financing to expand one's business and maintain stable operations often becomes a frequent headache for entrepreneurs. In such situations, most people solve their problems with working capital loans. In our country, working capital loans are offered by financial institutions under different conditions. Among these, the working capital loan terms of Capital Bank, known for their low interest rates, high loan amounts, and flexible conditions, are introduced as exemplary. Capital Bank has reduced the interest rate on working capital loans for small and medium-sized business owners to enhance their business opportunities and profitability, offering the lowest interest. Specifically, working capital loans are provided at an annual interest rate of 18.0% to 20.4% for amounts up to 1 billion Mongolian togrogs for individuals and 2 billion togrogs for organizations. This bank offers these loans to support the expansion of activities particularly in the following sectors: - Enterprises and businesses engaged in the trade of consumer goods and products;
- Individuals and enterprises operating in the food production sector;
- Individuals and enterprises engaged in agriculture, specifically in grain and vegetable production.
Capital Bank aims to contribute to strengthening the position of small and medium-sized enterprises in the national economy and increasing job opportunities by providing low-interest "Working Capital Loans" to small and medium-sized business owners. The working capital loan is expected to help ensure the normal and continuous operations of your business and meet short-term financial needs.

Back to Table of Contents

The impact of Trump's policies and US tariffs on China's economy: An analysis of three scenarios

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), part of The Economist Group, published an analysis indicating that US tariff policy will impact Mongolia's economy through China. After being elected President, Trump plans to impose additional tariffs on goods imported from China once he takes office. This will pose a significant external challenge to China's economy in 2025-2026. The analysis aims to assess the macroeconomic impact of these tariffs and how the Chinese government might respond. This analysis developed three tariff scenarios reflecting the unpredictability of Trump's policies. The evaluation is based on the US-China trade war during Trump's first presidency. Furthermore, the analysis incorporates changes in circumstances since the late 2010s: the percentage of Chinese goods in US direct imports decreased from 21.9% in 2017 to 13.8% in 2023. Potential US tariffs against intermediary nations and other economies between the US and China could complicate business operations seeking to realign their supply chains. How might US tariffs affect China’s economy? US tariffs will directly affect China's economy through exports and exert secondary effects through investment in production and domestic consumer behaviors. The responsiveness of US imports to changes in tariff rates is critical in determining the trade impact. Sensitivity measures how much consumers and companies substitute Chinese products with those from other countries as tariffs increase. High sensitivity indicates a high dependence on tariffs for Chinese goods. Although trade initially appears insensitive, sensitivity increases over time as importers struggle to find substitute products. Academic studies provide estimates of trade sensitivity. A 2014 study on US tariffs on China showed that tariff sensitivity was just above 1 a year after tariffs were imposed in 2018-2019. However, sensitivity increased to 4 by 2022, indicating that a 1% tariff increase caused trade volume to drop by 4%. EIU's analysis assumes a tariff sensitivity of 1 for US imports from China within one year after imposition. The analysis is based on Weighted Average Tariff Rate (WATR), the main input for evaluating trade shocks. While Trump might impose high tariffs as a threat, the actual business burden will likely be less due to business lobbying, exemptions, and trade substitution. This was evident during Trump's first term—although the legal WATR against Chinese goods was 19.3%, the real effective rate was only 10.3% by 2023, according to the Peterson Institute for International Economics. Base scenario (60% probability) The base scenario predicts a total increase of 20 percentage points in WATR on Chinese goods between 2025-2027. Tariffs related to the illegal fentanyl trade will add 5-10 percentage points to China’s real effective tariff rate this year. Trump is expected to continue phasing in more extensive tariffs through policy instruments towards the year's end, increasing China's effective WATR on exports to approximately 30% by 2027. - With export sensitivity assumed to be 1 from 2025-2027, China's exports to the US will drop by 20%, with most of the impact seen in 2026. - A contraction in exports to the US will reduce GDP growth by 0.6 percentage points from 2025-2027, with most of the impact felt in 2026-2027. - This will partially absorb the depreciation of the yuan, but with currency stability prioritized, there won't be excessive devaluation. China will boost economic growth, focusing on fiscal expansion and monetary easing. The economic support package will total 4.1 trillion yuan per year, equivalent to 3.2% of the nominal GDP in 2023. Optimistic scenario (15% probability): Minimal shock The optimistic scenario predicts a WATR increase of just 10% between 2025-2027, similar to the growth seen during Trump’s first term. It assumes no full imposition of fentanyl-related tariffs and reductions in other tariff threats through bilateral cooperation, effective business lobbying, and domestic inflation concerns. - US direct imports from China will decline by 10 percentage points from 2025-2027, reducing GDP growth by around 0.3 percentage points over the same period. - The yuan will face depreciation pressure post-tariff announcements but will be supported by the economic recovery package. Pessimistic scenario (25% probability): Growth nearly halved without China's support package In this scenario, Trump is predicted to increase tariffs by 60%, eventually raising the effective WATR by 40 percentage points. - US imports from China will fall by about 40% within a year after increasing tariffs by 40 percentage points, likely in 2026, causing China's total exports to drop by around 6% in the first year, with an average of 10% yearly over three years. - The yuan will experience significant depreciation pressure, temporarily reaching 8 yuan per US dollar, but will stabilize at 7.7-7.8 through government intervention. If China doesn't stimulate its economy, the total GDP growth impact from 2025-2027 will be 2.5 percentage points, with trade shocks contributing 1.5 points and second-order effects on investment and consumption 1 point. Without China's concessions, GDP growth in 2025-2027 will decrease by 2.5 percentage points. China's preferential trade status cancellation will significantly strain relations. China’s response: Non-tariff measures will be critical China will likely rely on non-tariff measures, with moderate and targeted tariffs, avoiding trade-reducing negotiations. China’s reliance on non-tariff measures stems from the belief that tariffs on US goods negatively impact its economy. China’s restrained response to recent US tariffs on electric vehicles illustrates this. China’s tariffs will target US agricultural and energy goods, increasing by 10%. China is strategically diversifying its raw material imports, replacing US products with Brazilian soybeans, for instance. Any Chinese tariff increase will be defensive, determined by the execution of Trump's tariff strategy. China is expected to focus on non-tariff measures to damage the US. China's market offers extensive policy space as a critical destination for many US businesses. China might: - Quickly substitute US products in civil aviation and software sectors; - Extend export controls on strategic materials like rare earths and graphite against the US; - Target US firms more in discrimination probes, eliminate US firms from government procurement investigations, and conduct anti-monopoly and anti-dumping probes. Renewed bilateral talks are unlikely to reach significant agreements. China rejecting US demands for tariff nullification is probable, and Trump's continued tariff threats aim to bring China to the negotiating table, yet deep sectoral disputes prevent substantial progress. Revisiting the US-China Phase 1 trade agreement doesn't capture political or public attention, while export controls to China, especially on advanced chips and manufacturing equipment, minimize negotiation opportunities due to supply chain security concerns.

Back to Table of Contents

128 Thousand Tons of Coking Coal Traded on the Exchange

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: news.mn

"Erdenes Tavantolgoi" JSC conducted three electronic trading sessions through the Mongolian Stock Exchange, trading a total of 20 lots or 128 thousand tons of 1/3 coking coal to be delivered to the Gantsmod port. Three buyers participated in the trading, and the price of one ton of coal was agreed at 72.4 US dollars. Since the start of exchange trading, a total of 121 trades have sold 25.2 million tons of coal valued at 2.85 billion US dollars. Of this, 8.7 million tons were coking coal, 12.1 million tons were semi-coking coal, 4.4 million tons were thermal coal, and enriched coal was also traded on the exchange. As a reminder, after the Law on the Mining Exchange was passed by the Parliament, the trading of coal through the Mongolian Stock Exchange began in January 2023.

Back to Table of Contents

"Harming Businesses That Have Already Signed Long-term Contracts and Received Advances"

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

The government decided to limit the export volume to keep the price of meat stable during its meeting. In response, some meat-exporting businesses and the Mongolian Meat Association expressed their opposition and sent an official letter to the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry. Specifically, last Wednesday's cabinet meeting chair, Minister of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry J. Enkhbayar, said, "The price of meat is rising due to the upcoming Tsagaan Sar festival. Therefore, we decided to limit exports to keep prices stable. Until June 1, the prepared meat will only be supplied to the domestic market. The price of mutton has increased by 19%, beef by 17%, and goat meat by 16%. This indicates a significant risk that meat prices will rise during traditional festivals. The government decided to organize and sell the meat prepared for export at various points around the capital starting February 6. So far, 4,200 tons of meat have been exported this year. Despite high demand for exports, maintaining domestic supply and price stability is more important. We sign contracts with meat-exporting businesses. At least 10% of all prepared meat must be supplied domestically to ensure stable provision. This is a measure to prevent excessive price spikes. The export policy will continue uninterrupted. Quotas are being set temporarily. According to the Food Law, provinces and cities have been preparing their meat reserves for three years. The capital has reserved more than 5,000 tons of meat, and recently the resources for purchasing the prepared meat, if necessary, were decided. Businesses will not suffer any losses. Currently, meat is being exported without restriction through border points," he said. In connection with this issue, when contacting the Mongolian Meat Association, they said, "The government held a meeting to increase domestic meat supply and stabilize price inflation related to the upcoming Tsagaan Sar festival, and made a temporary decision to halt exports. Stopping meat exports is highly detrimental to exporting businesses. When long-term contracts have been signed and advance funding has already been received, stopping exports is like sacrificing the businesses. As a result, we will not be able to supply meat on time, and may lose our clients, leading to negative consequences. It means losing the trust of the importing party and experiencing significant financial and partnership damage. Currently, more than 40 businesses are exporting meat from Mongolia to countries like China and Kazakhstan. Therefore, to protect the interests of these businesses, our organization has sent an official letter to the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry."

Back to Table of Contents

Entrepreneurs often lack sufficient knowledge about taxes, leading to common pressure

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

In the context of the ongoing series of discussions on the topic of "Tax Law Reform," a sub-discussion on the "Implementation, Challenges, and Solutions of the Value Added Tax Law" was organized yesterday. It was attended by a total of 225 people, and opinions were collected from over 110,000 citizens and businesses on the topic. MP H. Ganhuyag stated, "Since establishing the tax system in Mongolia in 1990, this is the fourth time that changes to the package of laws have been addressed. In 2020, when the law was revised, several provisions were introduced to support the expansion of the tax base and support small and medium enterprises, including the introduction of multiple thresholds related to the value-added tax (VAT) and corporate income tax (CIT). Since the VAT refund system was modernized, citizens and businesses have been able to register easily and receive refunds, making it a relatively advanced system. This law supported the increase of the tax base and ensured proper registration and monitoring of income. However, many citizens and entities still send suggestions related to reducing the VAT rate." MP D. Enkhtuvshin noted, "Currently, our country has 30 types of payments and fees falling within the tax system. Internationally, the VAT structure has been used since 1948. In Mongolia, trading tax was implemented as VAT starting in 1998. Over time, the VAT rate was reduced from 15% to 10%. As part of these changes, the tax authority introduced several measures, including a reward system launched in 2016. Additionally, among the 175 countries that have implemented VAT, Mongolia is one of those with the lowest rates, being part of the nine countries with a lower rate. Through this law, 5.3% of taxes are refunded through the lottery and refund principles. Furthermore, a total of 62 types of goods, work, and services are exempt from VAT. There are 40 independent laws related to VAT exemptions, 13 of which are currently in force." B. Telmuun, Head of the Tax Policy Department of the Ministry of Finance, stated, "In theory, VAT is not considered a business tax. However, when conducting surveys in Mongolia related to tax law, most complaints are received about VAT. Therefore, in the framework of VAT reform, issues related to exemptions and reductions need to be made more rational. Currently, our country exempts a total of 28 types of goods and 19 services from this tax. Generally, VAT is a consumption tax. The principle is that the more you consume, the more you pay. On the other hand, basic consumer goods such as meat, flour, milk, health care, and educational services are exempt from VAT." Lecturer Ch. Unurjargal from the University of Finance and Economics stated, "The results of research on the impact of VAT show that neither companies nor individuals issue VAT receipts. Also, businesses engaged in similar activities compete by selling their goods and services at lower prices without issuing VAT receipts, which causes pressure. Entrepreneurs and management level individuals often lack sufficient knowledge about this, making them susceptible to tax pressure. In general, we have continuously uncovered conflicts related to this issue as we frequently investigate paying citizens rather than those evading taxes."

Back to Table of Contents

VAT Refunds to be Tiered Based on Purchase Amounts

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: gogo.mn

As part of the tax package reform, changes to the laws of VAT, income tax for individuals (HHOAT), and income tax for businesses (AANOAT) have been discussed by members of the working group. The head of the working group, MP H. Gankhuyag, stated: The tax package law is being revised for the fourth time. Last time, e-receipts and tax refunds were added and approved. Although the implementation of VAT seems good at present, there are still minor issues that need to be addressed. Since 2020, the GDP has doubled. Based on the opinions of taxpayers, citizens, and economic scientists, the following proposals have been submitted to the Ministry of Finance to be included in the tax package law. It is considered appropriate to introduce a tiered tax system in the VAT law. This would be in line with the minimum living standards and minimum wage levels. Each citizen would receive: - A 100% refund for the initial purchase threshold. - A 50% refund for purchases between 500,000 and 800,000 MNT. - A 20% tax refund for purchases above 800,000 MNT. This is a tiered approach used by more than 20 countries in recent years. This means that there will be no occurrences of selling or buying goods without VAT. Additionally, issues related to businesses arise, such as accumulation-related problems. VAT-paying businesses should be given a certain time to pay. When importing goods, customs duties and VAT are prepaid. Therefore, a period of 2-3 months is deemed appropriate for VAT payment. According to current law, small and medium-sized businesses with an income of 300 million to 1 billion MNT are eligible to pay a 1% tax to support SMEs. This needs to be increased in relation to the economy and inflation. Furthermore, it is necessary to set appropriate tiers for companies with more than 6 billion MNT revenues. Currently, companies with the same level of income are subject to a 25% tax, leading them to split or artificially create companies. The Ministry of Finance has sent a proposal for setting the upper limit of individual income tax at 10% and providing reductions on a tiered basis.

Back to Table of Contents

K.Gankhuyag: A proposal will be submitted to the Ministry of Finance for every citizen to receive a 100% refund for their first purchase of 500,000 MNT

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Within the framework of the reform of the Tax Package Laws, the working group held a press conference today to provide information on what changes will be made to the laws of Personal Income Tax (PIT), Corporate Income Tax (CIT), and Value Added Tax (VAT). The leader of the working group, Member of Parliament K. Gankhuyag, said: "In connection with the implementation of the package of tax laws, Decree No. 292 was issued by the Speaker of the State Great Khural (Parliament) on December 2, 2024, and a working group was established. Over the past month, we have received feedback from a total of 120,000 citizens and businesses. The issue of the fourth overhaul of the tax package laws is being discussed. In the last revision of the tax package, a refund of VAT, an E-receipt, and the introduction of a VAT threshold aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises were introduced. Since 2020, the economy has doubled in size. In the government's development plan for 2024-2028, 14 mega-projects were approved, with the first three already underway. Citizens often talk about directing economic development towards households and shifting from welfare to labor-oriented policies. Based on the analysis of the implementation of the current tax laws, recommendations from international organizations, feedback from scholars and researchers, and the opinions of taxpayers, it has been decided to forward the following issues to the Minister of Finance B. Javkhlan for inclusion in the tax package law reform: 1. Introducing a progressive VAT system. This will be linked to the minimum subsistence level and minimum wage. All businesses need to be registered as VAT payers. It includes a progressive VAT mechanism where citizens receive a 100% refund on their first purchase of 500,000 MNT, a 50% refund on purchases between 500,001 and 800,000 MNT, and a 2% refund on purchases over 800,000 MNT. This will eliminate the issue of goods being purchased without VAT. A household with two members will be able to receive a full VAT refund on purchases totaling one million MNT. Businesses face issues related to savings, so VAT payments will be given a staggered schedule for businesses. For example, if goods are imported, customs duties and VAT are prepaid. VAT can be paid over a period of 2-3 months. 2. The PIT and social insurance contributions are deducted between 30-46% from the nominal salary of citizens. Therefore, it is suggested to set the maximum threshold of PIT at 10% and submit the proposal to the Ministry of Finance to establish a tiered deduction system. 3. Under the current CIT law, small and medium manufacturers with sales revenue between 300 million and 1.5 billion MNT can pay a 1% tax by declaration. Therefore, there is an issue of linking the current threshold to the economic and inflation levels. It is necessary to align the tax rates imposed on enterprises earning more than six billion MNT profit with the economic conditions and establish an optimal tax scale. Specifically, since companies earning profits over six billion MNT fall into the 25% tax bracket, it raises issues for many small companies being artificially created. The Ministry of Finance will study these proposals to some extent and present them to the government. The government will discuss them at its regular meeting and submit the bill to the Parliament (State Great Khural). It is expected that the overhaul of the tax package laws will be implemented from 2026," he stated. Warning: Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social, and Web pages) must mention the source (ikon.mn) if they use our information either in whole or in part.

Back to Table of Contents

Producing Various Products from Camel Wool in Ömnögovi

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The Thousand Camels Festival will commence on February 1. As part of the celebration, an exhibition and trade fair showcasing various products and services representing the unique aspects of the Gobi will be organized. The main goal of this event is to promote camel culture, increase the living value of camels, and raise the value of raw materials and products obtained from them. The people of the Gobi region have been producing a variety of products from camel wool at the household level. Among them, the “Galbiin Gobi” luxury brand has grown to become a camel wool clothing manufacturer. This factory is participating in the Thousand Camels Festival with its “Galbiin Gobi” brand camel wool clothing products. The factory, which has been operating in Khanbogd soum since 2012, has been producing wool and cashmere products. Nowadays, they have created their own brand and supply the market. By joining the local SME support project, they have increased their equipment and expanded their operations to produce luxurious brand items such as socks, gloves, hats, scarves, vests, belts, blankets, and more with modern design, style, and color.

Back to Table of Contents

Diplomacy

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako to Visit Mongolia in July

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako plan to make an official visit to Mongolia this coming July, according to a report by the Kyodo agency, with discussions currently taking place between the two countries at the official level. It is being arranged to occur during the National Festival of Mongolia, at the invitation of the Mongolian side. This will be the first visit to Mongolia for Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako since Emperor Naruhito ascended to the throne in 2019. Prior to this, he has made visits to Indonesia in 2023 and is scheduled to visit Britain in 2024. Moreover, it is worth noting that Emperor Naruhito visited Mongolia in 2007 as Crown Prince to mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Mongolia. During that visit, he paid respects and laid flowers at a memorial dedicated to around 1,700 Japanese soldiers who were taken prisoner and lost their lives after World War II in former Soviet territory. During this year's visit, it is planned that the Emperor and Empress will also pay respects at this memorial.

Back to Table of Contents

Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan to Visit Mongolia for the First Time

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: gogo.mn

At the invitation of the President of Mongolia, Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, the 126th Emperor of Japan, His Imperial Majesty Naruhito, and Her Imperial Majesty Empress Masako are planning a state visit to Mongolia in early July 2025. This visit will be the first state visit to Mongolia by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan. This state visit is of historical significance, as it is expected to deepen the "Special Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity" between Mongolia and Japan, which share common democratic values, and to strengthen the "people-centered" relationship and cooperation between the two countries. President U. Khurelsukh, while serving as Prime Minister in 2019, attended the "Proclamation Ceremony of the Enthronement" of Emperor Naruhito of Japan. In 2022, marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and Japan, President U. Khurelsukh made a state visit to Japan with his spouse L. Bolortsetseg, meeting with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. They also watched a special Morin Khuur Ensemble performance together in the "NHK" hall, strengthening their warm, trusted relationship. During this historic visit by President U. Khurelsukh, Mongolia and Japan elevated their relations to the level of "Special Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity." They agreed to actively cooperate in four main areas: 1. Politics and Security
2. Economy, Trade and Investment Collaboration
3. "People-Centered" Development and People-to-People Exchanges
4. Collaboration on Global Common Issues
This visit laid the foundation for the next 50 years of relations and reaffirmed the friendship and amity between the peoples of the two countries, who share an ancient history and friendly relations as cornerstones of state affairs. Emperor Naruhito ascended the throne on May 1, 2019, marking the beginning of the "Reiwa" era in Japan. Since ascending the throne, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako have made two overseas trips.

Back to Table of Contents

Foreign Minister B. Battsetseg Meets Ambassador M. Igavahara

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Foreign Minister B. Battsetseg received Ambassador M. Igavahara from Japan at a meeting on the 30th of this month. Minister B. Battsetseg emphasized that deepening friendly relations and cooperation with Japan, a close partner sharing common democratic values, is a priority of Mongolia's foreign policy. She noted that efforts are being made to deepen the "Special Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity" between Mongolia and Japan in all areas of mutual cooperation. Ambassador M. Igavahara expressed a commitment to further strengthen the political trust between the two countries and to expand cooperation in economics, infrastructure, development, education, and local areas, as well as to solidify and strengthen the friendship and camaraderie between the citizens of both countries, which is the foundation of friendly relations. Both parties agreed on the importance of ensuring the implementation of the "10-Year Action Program" for the Special Strategic Partnership between Mongolia and Japan, and to continue working closely together within the framework of common goals in the region and on the international stage, according to information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Back to Table of Contents

Japanese Emperor to Visit Mongolia in Early July

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are planning to visit Mongolia for a one-week visit in early July, government sources from the country reported. This will be his third overseas visit since ascending to the throne. Emperor Naruhito had previously visited Indonesia in 2023 and the United Kingdom in 2024. However, when he was the crown prince, he visited Mongolia in 2007 to commemorate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. During that visit, the crown prince observed Mongolia's traditional Naadam festival and paid respects at a monument for Japanese soldiers who perished while being interned in Mongolia after World War II. After the war, the Soviet Union transferred about 14,000 Japanese prisoners of war to Mongolia; over 1,700 of them died before being able to return to their homeland. Source: Kyodo News Warning: Media organizations (TV, Radio, Social, and Web pages) must cite their source (ikon.mn) when using our information in any form, in whole or in part.

Back to Table of Contents

President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh Plans State Visit to Poland After Lunar New Year

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: isee.mn

At the invitation of President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh, Polish President Andrzej Duda made a state visit to Mongolia in April 2023. During the visit, the two presidents held official talks and signed intergovernmental agreements on international automotive transportation, as well as documents related to cooperation in sectors such as trade, investment, science, archives, geology, and veterinary medicine. Additionally, President Andrzej Duda participated in the opening of the Polish Embassy in Ulaanbaatar, delivered a lecture at the National University of Mongolia, attended a business forum between the two countries, and visited the Chinggis Khan Museum. During this visit, President Andrzej Duda invited President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh to visit Poland. President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh is planning a state visit to the Republic of Poland after the Lunar New Year. In connection with organizing this visit, Mongolia appointed a new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Poland before the autumn session of the Parliament concluded. N. Oyundari was appointed as the Mongolian ambassador to this country, and during discussions in the Parliament earlier this month, Minister of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry J. Enkhbayar mentioned that President Khurelsukh plans to visit Poland this year. He stated, "The state visit to Poland is planned to be organized in the first half of this year. Prior to this, the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry is working with Poland's Ministry of Agriculture to enhance agricultural cooperation. Please focus your attention on this after being appointed ambassador." More than 1,000 Mongolian citizens are working and living in Poland. Poland is one of the countries with a long-standing tradition of friendly and cooperative relations with Mongolia. The last visit by a Polish head of state was by President Bronisław Komorowski in 2013, and after 10 years, Andrzej Duda became the next Polish President to visit Mongolia. Poland has been a steadfast supporter of Mongolia's democratic revolution from the beginning, providing both moral and material assistance. Since 1990, the relationship between the two countries has deepened based on democratic values, human rights, freedoms, and a market economy. Former President N. Bagabandi made the first state visit to the Republic of Poland from Mongolia in 1999, while President Lech Kaczyński visited Mongolia in 2008. During the socialist era, the relationship between the two countries developed intensively, with Polish experts contributing to the development of Darkhan city, building brick and lime factories unique to their country's technology, and training young people from all corners of Mongolia. From 1966 to 1985, with the help of Poland, nine factories were put into operation in Ulaanbaatar, Darkhan, Choibalsan, and Kharkhorin. Polish geologists conducted independent major expeditions in the western provinces of Mongolia, and the joint expedition between the two countries explored rare earth elements. Additionally, the Polish-Mongolian paleontological team made significant discoveries of nearly 100 finds in Mongolia, marking a major breakthrough. The relationship in the defense sector between the two sides intensified between 1970 and the 1990s under the framework of the Warsaw Pact and the Mongolian People's Republic, but then entered a period of stagnation. However, since the Mongolian Armed Forces' military unit participated in peacekeeping operations in Iraq under Polish military command since 2003, the relationship has revived, developing through high-level visits and training military personnel. Poland has made significant investments in the education of Mongolian youth over the past 55 years. An agreement on cooperation between the two governments in cultural, scientific, and technical fields was established in 1958 and renewed in 1974. Since the 1960s, around 230 Mongolian students have graduated from Polish universities. Through the "Mission-2100" program initiated by President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh, a total of 58 Mongolian students have been studying in Poland during the 2022-2023 academic year. The two countries established diplomatic relations on April 14, 1950, and their first trade agreement was made in 1957. In 2019, the two sides conducted trade worth 60 million euros, which increased to approximately 100 million dollars last year. The majority of goods traded consist of wool, cashmere, knitwear, fruits, and consumer goods, with building materials accounting for more than 90% of imports from Poland. The European Union has been implementing programs to support exports from countries successfully developing democracy and good governance since 2005, and under this program, Mongolia has been exporting goods to Poland, one of the EU member states, without customs duty. Overall, cooperation between the two countries in political, education, cultural, and humanitarian fields is developing successfully. However, due to some objective factors such as geographical distance—approximately 7,000 km by road between the two countries—trade and economic relations are below the potential level in comparison with other sectors. Over 1,000 Mongolians are currently living and working in Poland.

Back to Table of Contents

Infrastructure

The Underground Mine Has Reached a Length of 15,752 Meters

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: gogo.mn

"Oyu Tolgoi" presented its fourth quarter report for 2024 today. The lateral development of the underground mine continues. The development of the underground mine will not be completed, and this work will continue indefinitely. The goal is to achieve 1,500 meters of lateral development per month for the underground mine. Currently, the underground mine has reached a total length of 15,752 meters. A total of 124 ore chutes have been opened at the Panel 0 production level of the underground mine, and 4 ore chutes have been commissioned in the fourth quarter. In this quarter, 2.1 million tons of ore with an average copper content of 1.96% have been processed from the underground mine, and 8.9 million tons of ore with an average grade of 0.43% have been processed from the open pit. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, copper production increased by 63%, which is attributed to the intensified production and increased ore grade in the underground mine.

Back to Table of Contents

N. Ganbaa: Implement passive building principles in all projects as Ulaanbaatar faces a crisis

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Experts researching and localizing new technologies and experiences to reduce air and environmental pollution are participating in the discussion "Smoke Issue: Technological Solutions for Stoves and Fuel" taking place at the State Palace today. For instance, N. Ganbaa, President of the "Passive Building Institute" and International Construction Consultant and Trainer, emphasized at the beginning of his presentation, "We must recognize that the 'enemy' we are fighting against is caused by heat loss. It's not just because the chimney or fuel is bad that smoke comes out. The main reason is the heat loss, which makes us burn something. To reduce heat loss, we insulate, but that leads us back to fuel. If we want to insulate even better, the solution of passive building arises." Therefore, he introduced the principles of passive building today, stating that it is necessary to adhere to these principles when implementing any project. "There are five principles of passive building. If you build the house correctly: first, the value of real estate will increase; second, a comfortable, healthy, and safe environment will be created; third, operating costs will stop, thus reducing poverty. No one needs to prepare fuel there, no one needs to go frequently to insulate the house. It's about doing it once well and forgetting about it." • Thick insulation: To reduce heat loss, insulation must be evenly distributed using very good materials. • Passive windows: While a simple window can be compared to two centimeters of foam insulation, by changing the approach with the same materials, a passive window achieves thermal protection equivalent to about 10 centimeters of foam insulation. • Ventilation: By fully utilizing waste heat, energy consumption is significantly reduced. • Sealing: When a fire is lit in a ger, it starts leaking through the gaps between the walls. Because a ger breathes. Making the ger airtight reduces heat loss by 20-30%. A combination of ventilation and sealing improves building thermal protection by 50%. • Structure without thermal bridges: Heat is lost through the foundation and balcony areas. These small errors accumulate and cause smoke. As Ulaanbaatar is facing a crisis, the five principles of passive building need to be implemented in all projects. It is possible if the additional costs for insulation are supported by the government," he said. Note: Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social, and Web pages) must always mention their source (ikon.mn) in any form of use of our information, whether fully or partially.

Back to Table of Contents

What was included in the draft law to support the planning, construction, and development of Kharkhorin city?

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The Government submitted a draft law to support the planning, construction, and development of Kharkhorin city to the State Great Khural last December, and it was finally approved in a plenary session last week. The project aims to reconstruct the historic capital of Kharkhorin city, protect the history and heritage of the Mongolian nation, safeguard the nomadic culture, and promote sustainable tourism, ensuring balanced regional development and creating conditions for living in an environmentally friendly, comfortable urban setting by establishing the legal basis. The law also addresses outsourcing certain city functions to private entities, using advancements in information technology for smart city development, and ensuring transparency in city operations and construction. Moreover, the law outlines the requirements for city planning and incorporates principles for urban construction. It is characterized by the following features: - Supporting various types of sustainable tourism based on historical, cultural landmarks, archeological sites, tangible and intangible cultural heritage, natural characteristics, and nomadic civilization; - Ensuring that city planning, construction, and operations align with the common rights and interests of residents, delivering equitable and accessible public services, and developing a humane, multi-centered urban system; - Ensuring that no less than 50% of the urban settlement designated by the city’s master plan consists of green spaces; - Establishing zones such that residents have access to schools, kindergartens, social, cultural, and healthcare services, parks, public transit stops, and commercial services within a 300-800 meter radius based on zoning purpose and population density; - Promoting balanced regional development, aligning with regional development concepts, and supporting independent development that aligns economically with the Hangai region; - Promoting energy-efficient and environmentally friendly technology; - Creating spaces for using unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) as reported by the administration responsible for the development of the new Kharkhorin city.

Back to Table of Contents

The Construction of the Cable Car from Yarmag to the First District to Begin in March

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The feasibility study for a cable car system to serve residents from Yarmag to the First District in Ulaanbaatar's Khan-Uul District has been completed. The detailed technical drawings are now in the verification stage. Officials have reported that since the land acquisition process has been completed, construction is planned to begin two months from now, in March 2025. The construction will use equipment sourced from France, and currently, the connector anchors for the stations and 19 supports have arrived at the project site in Ulaanbaatar. Additionally, 46 containers of equipment for support towers T1-T8 are expected to arrive in April. The cable car line from Yarmag to the First District will stretch 4.2 kilometers, with two stations along the route, taking 11 minutes to travel between them. The transport speed is planned to be 22 km/h, and the project aims to have 98 cabins each with a capacity for 10 people. It was previously reported that the introduction of metro and cable car infrastructure in the capital is planned for this year. Note: Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social Media, and Websites) must mention the source (ikon.mn) when using our information in any form, either fully or partially.

Back to Table of Contents

Bus Fare to be 1000 MNT from Tomorrow

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The Public Transportation Policy Agency announced the implementation of a new transit system and the change in the fare to 1000 MNT. Z. Tseveendorj, the head of the transportation administration management department of the Public Transportation Policy Agency, said: "The price and tariff of public transportation services have not changed since the 2014 alteration. With the initiative of the city's IH and the City Mayor's Office, modifications were introduced to increase the fare. However, this does not simply mean a price increase. A citizen will have to pay 1000 MNT for traveling four times in a day; specifically, upon the first swipe of their card on that day, 1000 MNT will be deducted. Additionally, the previous time limit of 30 minutes for transfers has been removed, and whereas riders had to change to a different route, this restriction has been lifted. Two systems are in operation for public transportation: the U-money card system remains the same. Under the new payment system, you purchase a card and swipe it. There are kiosks at 100 locations in the city where you can buy and refill cards. Instead of a card, one-time QR code payments and tapping them in the bus is also an option. Although there was an option to pay in cash before, problems like tearing the banknotes arose, leading to a ban, yet there were frequent cases of not having the card read. Therefore, from May 2024, cash payment was re-approved, and of the 149 million journeys made last year, 8.5 million were paid in cash. There are no changes to the cards used by senior citizens and people with disabilities.

Back to Table of Contents

You Can Now Travel by Public Transport for ₮1,000 Per Day, Regardless of Time or Direction

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The Public Transportation Policy Office provided information today about a new public transportation system that allows citizens to travel for 1,000 MNT. Since the public transportation service tariff was last increased in 2014, there have been no changes until this year. Now, in an initiative by the City Council and the Mayor, changes have been made to provide favorable conditions for citizens regarding tariffs. This change does not mean an increase in prices; it now allows passengers who previously traveled from home to work in the morning and from work to home in the evening for 500 MNT each way, totaling 1,000 MNT, to make four trips instead of two additional trips as an option. Specifically, a person who takes two buses to get to work could make four trips in the morning and evening. Previously, transferring to another bus within 30 minutes was required, but under the new regulation, this timing condition is removed and it is now possible to travel four times a day for 1,000 MNT, regardless of time. Additionally, previously, when transferring, the next bus had to be on a different route, but now it is possible to take the same route after transferring. Warning: Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social and Web pages) must cite the source (ikon.mn) in any form, fully or partially, when using our information.

Back to Table of Contents

Use 'Umoney' and 'UBcard' to Pay 1000 Togrog for Four Rides

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: itoim.mn

The Ulaanbaatar Public Transportation Department has announced that starting from February 1, passengers will be able to take up to four rides a day for 1000 togrog. All public transportation in the city is equipped with devices that can read Ulaanbaatar smart cards as well as various types of commercial bank cards. However, bank cards cannot be used for transfer services. To transfer, passengers must scan their card when alighting from public transportation. The Ulaanbaatar smart card is available in both physical and non-physical forms. The non-physical card can be used through the ‘UBcard’ application in the form of a QR code. Meanwhile, the physical cards are being sold through 100 kiosk machines installed around Ulaanbaatar city. You can travel with just the specific cards—‘Umoney’ or ‘UBcard’—after paying 1000 togrog. Director of the Administration and Management Department of the Public Transportation Authority, Z. Tseveendorj, stated, "Without any time restrictions, you can travel up to 4 times a day for 1000 togrog. You can also board the next bus regardless of the direction. Citizens can recharge their 'Umoney' card and travel by bus. Additionally, it is possible to travel using a one-time QR code without acquiring a card."

Back to Table of Contents

The decision to charge 1000 tögrög for the bus ride will take effect tomorrow

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: isee.mn

In February, the Ulaanbaatar City Council issued a resolution to make some changes to the fare rates for public transport. As a result, starting from January 1, citizens will be able to travel four times without a time limit by paying 1000 tögrög. However, due to the fact that the software development work was not yet completed, its implementation was temporarily postponed. Now, starting from January 1, this decision will be implemented, allowing citizens to travel on public transport for 1000 tögrög. This does not apply to routes X:19 and X:20, which go to Chinggis Khaan International Airport. Meanwhile, children can travel for 200 tögrög. By paying for the fare once, passengers will be able to transfer three times, and by tapping their Umoney card on the device each time they get off the bus, they will receive a transfer discount. This transfer policy does not have a time limit. However, if a passenger travels more than four times a day, an additional 1000 tögrög will be charged. Students will also pay 1000 tögrög for bus travel, as the travel discount for students was nullified during the amendments to the Education Law.

Back to Table of Contents

Society

Research-Based, Child-Friendly Policy Needed to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The Subcommittee on Sustainable Development Goals of the State Great Khural organized an international and donor consultation meeting. Embassy ambassadors from several countries and representatives from the United Nations, the United Nations Development Programme, the European Union, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the World Health Organization, and Germany's cooperation organization participated in this discussion. The chair of the subcommittee, State Great Khural member B. Munkhsoyol, noted that this meeting is of special importance in strengthening multilateral cooperation to implement the Sustainable Development Goals and reaching results through collective efforts. The goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted in 2015, have an impact on all aspects of social life. Issues such as reducing poverty, providing quality education, protecting health, ensuring gender equality, and adapting and combating climate change are still challenging, but we all recognize that children's development and protection are the most important issues. Economic, social welfare, and other sector policies are not fully effective and are putting significant pressure on the state budget. Furthermore, the health, education, and safe living environment rights of children from low-income families are being violated. Therefore, there is a demand for policies that are based on detailed research and information and that are friendly to citizens and children. Participants in the discussion shared their regional and international experiences and recommendations, discussed the possibility of adapting global best practices to Mongolia's situation, and shared their opinions on evaluating how current policies and planning align with sustainable development goals, according to the State Great Khural's Press Office.

Back to Table of Contents

The UN urges the Government of Mongolia to reconsider its decision violating children's rights and issues a statement

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The United Nations in Mongolia has reiterated its position that horse racing poses significant risks to child jockeys and that children must always be protected from all dangers and risks. The UN has urged the Government of Mongolia to reconsider its decision that may violate children's rights and pose serious risks to their life and health. In light of the substantial risks associated with child jockeys in horse racing, the UN emphasizes the need to always safeguard children from any hazards and affirms its position. The UN in Mongolia expressed regret over the Mongolian Cabinet's decision to nullify the Cabinet Resolution No. 57 of 2019, which prohibited horse racing and training races between November 1 and May 1, and to allow local authorities to decide whether to organize cultural and sporting events, including horse races. Mongolia, as a member of the United Nations, is committed to protecting and promoting children's rights in compliance with internationally recognized principles and standards. The country has ratified fundamental international human rights treaties and conventions, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Since Mongolia ratified the Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour of the International Labour Organization (ILO) over twenty years ago, the country has legally protected all children within its jurisdiction from engaging in any form of labor that might endanger their safety, health, or morals. These international standards have been incorporated into Mongolia's domestic legislation, including the Law on the Rights of the Child, the Law on Child Protection, and the Labor Law, which prohibit the abuse and exploitation of children. The UN Country Team in Mongolia, based on repeated observations and recommendations from UN Human Rights experts, has issued statements and subsequently sent official letters to the President, Prime Minister, and Speaker of the State Great Khural of Mongolia. The UN expresses deep concern over the injuries and fatalities of child jockeys highlighted in these statements and reiterates its worry over this dangerous practice. The United Nations hopes the Government of Mongolia will urgently take all necessary measures to enforce legislative and organizational protocols prohibiting any child under the age of 18 from jockeying in horse races at any time of year. The UN urges the government, local administrations, parents, guardians, horse owners, racers, business owners, and the public to fulfill the obligations and commitments under Mongolia's international human rights agreements. The UN in Mongolia stands ready to support the Government of Mongolia, non-governmental organizations, and civil society initiatives aimed at creating a better future for all Mongolian children and protecting their rights. UNITED NATIONS COUNTRY TEAM IN MONGOLIA Warning Media outlets (TV, Radio, Social, and Web Pages) must credit the source when using this information in any form, wholly or partially.

Back to Table of Contents

Environment

J. Batbold: The Standard of Mongolia's Briquette Fuel is Artificial and Does Not Meet International Requirements

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Within the framework of organizing a general oversight hearing on the issues of air pollution and smog, a discussion on "Smoke Issues: Technological Solutions for Stoves and Fuel" is being held at the State Palace today. In the discussion, J. Batbold, a consulting engineer of Mongolia, highlighted his presentation on "How to Produce Briquette Fuel Friendly to Human Health and the Environment, and International Standards." He stated, "Regardless of whether a stove is of high quality or low quality, and whether it is improved or not, the fuel used in it is important. Mongolian households remain with their stoves today, so the fuel must be harmless to human health. Our company has worked in the field of coking coal and producing briquette fuel since 2004. The first semi-coke plant was established in Darkhan city in 2010. However, in 2014, when Baganuur's brown coal was sifted and distributed to the residents of ger districts, the production of briquette fuel completely stopped. I can confidently say that the standard of coal and semi-coke briquette fuel in Mongolia is artificial and does not meet international requirements. When solid fuel has a high ash content, carbon monoxide will never disappear. As a result, there is a huge amount of poisoning occurring. Middling never burns completely. It has been tested many times. However, bio-briquette fuel meets all the requirements. Therefore, it is considered necessary for short-term measures to reduce air and environmental pollution. This type of fuel is used throughout Europe. Also, it does not require additional costs for packaging. Recent information shows that the 'Tavantolgoi Fuel' company spent 83 billion MNT only on packaging. The advantage of bio-briquette fuel is that it is easy to transport, does not produce particles during combustion, ignites quickly, and burns completely," he said.

Back to Table of Contents

The Association of Humidifiers of South Korea Expresses Desire to Cooperate in Improving Ulaanbaatar's Air Quality

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The "Association of Humidifiers" of South Korea has expressed its desire to cooperate in improving Ulaanbaatar's air quality, addressing the capital's Department of Air and Environmental Pollution Control and the City Council. The director of the "Association of Humidifiers," Gangoo Ki Tae, stated, "Seoul was a city with high pollution and dust levels in the early 2010s. The government of South Korea, along with the Ministry of Environment, collaborated with private sector companies to implement a variety of projects and measures. They identified areas in Seoul with poor air quality and started a step-by-step process to clean and improve the air quality, especially in areas where children and the elderly live. Our association started working on producing air purification devices and measuring indoor and outdoor pollution from that time." The association's Secretary-General, Sun Ji Hyog, mentioned that "In 2016, South Korea passed a law on air pollution, which included measures on how to improve air quality over the long term and improve production systems. As a result, Seoul has become smog-free. Therefore, we wish to work together to improve the air quality of Ulaanbaatar." The association has focused on improving the educational environment for children studying in the most remote districts of the city's ger areas by donating air purification equipment. They have also expressed their intention to donate air purification equipment to a soon-to-be-opened children's and seniors' hospital.

Back to Table of Contents

Citizens to Participate and Ask Questions During the General Hearing on Smoke Pollution

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: news.mn

A discussion on the "Smoke Issue" themed around stove and fuel technology solutions is taking place today. According to the law on oversight by the State Great Khural of Mongolia, a general control hearing on air pollution and smoke issues will be organized next month by a working group established by the Standing Committee on Environment, Food, and Agriculture. As part of this effort, today's discussion on the smoke issue and stove, fuel technology solutions is being organized. A total of 52 citizens and 27 business entities have registered for today's discussion. In preparation for the smoke hearing, three sub-discussions have already been held. However, since technical solutions and innovative ideas are important, today's discussion is being organized. The "Smoke Issue" discussion was opened by the head of the working group, J. Chinburen, who stated that the general hearing on smoke pollution will be held next Tuesday. The solutions discussed today will be reported during the general hearing. Thus, solutions that are deemed feasible and necessary will be reviewed again by the council of scientists to hear proposals for reducing smoke. The main goal of the general hearing is to allow citizens to meet with the responsible officials and receive answers to their questions. One of the solutions for reducing smoke is building insulation. No matter how much heating is resolved, building insulation plays a significant role.

Back to Table of Contents

Warning of Increased Cold Snap

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: gogo.mn

A warning has been issued by the Weather Authority about an upcoming increase in cold weather starting from the 5th of the coming month in the northern regions and extending until the 9th across most areas. 10-day weather forecast: On the 5th, in the northern regions, and on the 6th and 7th, in most areas of the western and central provinces, and in some parts of the Gobi and eastern provinces, snow is expected, along with snowstorms, intensifying the cold in most areas. Precipitation: On the 31st, in some areas of the western and central provinces, on February 1st in the mountainous region of Khentii, on the 3rd in some parts of the western provinces, on the 4th in the Altai, Khangai, Khuvsgul, and Khentii mountains, and the basin of the Khalkh River, light snow is expected. On the 5th, in the northern parts of the western, central, and eastern provinces, on the 6th and 7th, in most areas of the western and central provinces and some parts of the Gobi and eastern provinces, on the 8th in the eastern half of the region, and on the 9th, in some areas snow and snowstorms are expected. Wind: Most of the time, wind speeds will be 5-10 meters per second across much of the country. On the 5th, in the Gobi, plains, and steppe regions, on the 6th, in most areas, on the 7th, in the southern part of the region, and on the 8th and 9th in the Gobi and plains regions, wind speeds will temporarily reach 16-18 meters per second. Air temperature: At the beginning of the period, in the basins of Lake Uvs and Darkhad, at the headwater of the Zavkhan River, in the basins of the Ider, Tes, Baydrag, and Khalkh rivers, nighttime temperatures will be -32...-37 degrees Celsius, and daytime temperatures will be -20...-25 degrees. In the mountainous areas of Mongolia-Altai, Khangai, Khuvsgul, Khentii, areas around Khurenbelchir, and the basins of the Eg, Uur, Khar, Yero, Tuul, Terelj, Kherlen, Onon, and Ulz rivers, nighttime temperatures will be -28...-33 degrees, daytime temperatures will be -18...-23 degrees. In the southwestern part of the Gobi region, nighttime temperatures will be -9...-14 degrees, daytime temperatures will be -1...-6 degrees. In other areas, nighttime temperatures will be -20...-25 degrees, daytime temperatures will be -10...-15 degrees. From the 5th, in the northern regions and continuing until the 9th throughout most areas, the cold will intensify with nighttime temperatures in the basins of Lake Uvs and Darkhad, and at the headwater of the Zavkhan River, in the basins of the Ider, Tes, Baydrag, and Khalkh rivers dropping to -43...-48 degrees, and daytime temperatures to -30...-35 degrees. In the mountainous areas of Mongolia-Altai, Khangai, Khuvsgul, Khentii, areas around Khurenbelchir, and the basins of the Eg, Uur, Khar, Yero, Tuul, Terelj, Kherlen, Onon, and Ulz rivers, nighttime temperatures will drop to -37...-42 degrees, daytime temperatures to -27...-32 degrees. In the southern part of the Gobi region, nighttime temperatures will be -15...-20 degrees, daytime temperatures -9...-14 degrees, and in other areas, nighttime temperatures will be -28...-33 degrees, daytime temperatures -15...-20 degrees. Ulaanbaatar city 10-day weather forecast: Precipitation: Light snow is expected on the 1st, and snow with snowstorms on the 5th and 6th. No snow is expected during the other days. Wind: Most of the time, wind speeds will be 5-10 meters per second. On the 5th and 6th, winds will shift from the southwest to the northwest with speeds reaching 12-14 meters per second. Air temperature: At the beginning of the period, around Yarmag and Songin, nighttime temperatures will be -27...-32 degrees, and -20...-25 degrees in other areas, with daytime temperatures -11...-16 degrees. After the 5th, cold will intensify, with nighttime temperatures around Yarmag and Songin dropping to -34...-39 degrees, and to -29...-34 degrees in other areas, with daytime temperatures -19...-24 degrees.

Back to Table of Contents

A Big Challenge Awaits Air Pollution Hearing Participants

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: news.mn

A public hearing on the issue of air pollution, initiated by the citizens, will be held next week. All the issues and solutions will not be discussed and resolved in just two days, so there will be three preliminary open discussions. The three discussions will cover the following topics: air pollution and public health, the problem of smog - standards and control measures, and the legal environment, policy implementation, financing, spending, and accountability regarding air pollution. The third discussion on air pollution was chaired by the Chairman of the Ethics and Discipline Standing Committee of the State Great Khural, B. Bayarbaatar. He stated that in order to comprehensively solve the issue of air pollution, it is necessary to discuss it. Only then will we reach results. For the past 25 years, the smog has been discussed. During the time we talked, the harmfulness of the smog increased year by year. Now the issue has reached the level of disaster. A general hearing on reducing air pollution control will be held at the beginning of next month, and a temporary committee will be formed if necessary. Conducting the hearing will not make the smog disappear the next day. The key is to seek solutions in collaboration with civil society organizations and citizens. Therefore, we face a major goal and challenge. We hope to achieve results no matter how much time it takes. In any case, with the open hearing on air pollution, which presents a major goal and challenge, several decisions with real results are expected to be made.

Back to Table of Contents

Refusal to Enter into Contract with Company Ecoresource for the Supply of 32,000 Stoves

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Last month, Deputy Mayor of the Capital's Department of Social Sector, Green Development, and Air and Environmental Pollution, A. Amartuvshin, announced that 32,000 stoves would be distributed to households in the ger districts, with a bidding process launched to purchase the stoves for 28 billion MNT. However, this tender has been cancelled. According to clarification from the Capital’s Air Pollution Control Agency, "The company 'Ecoresource' was selected in the tender to supply the 32,000 stoves. However, we refused to enter into a contract with them. In the discussions related to the smoke problem, and from the suggestions and criticisms from the public, there has been a call to introduce solutions other than the stove. This notification has been sent to the company 'Ecoresource', but there has been no response yet. In 2024, more than 2,000 emergency calls related to carbon monoxide were received by health organizations, 893 of which were due to stove malfunctions. Over 50% of the carbon monoxide incident causes were traced back to failure in stove sealing and chimney defects. In addition, inspections revealed that more than 70,000 household units in the city’s ger districts had traditional or faulty stoves. Based on this calculation, the Capital’s Air Pollution Control Agency announced the stove tender to protect people's lives and health from the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning," the explanation stated. Carbon monoxide or CO is carbonic oxide which is most harmful to humans when inhaled indoors. According to the National Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, the 'Nomadic' stove supplied by the company 'Ecoresource' is concluded to completely burn off carbon dioxide. Note: Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social Media, and Websites) must cite their source (ikon.mn) when using our information in any form, in whole or in part.

Back to Table of Contents

Innovation

Is Mongolia Ready for the AI Wave After DeepSeek Shakes America?

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: news.mn

Robots, artificial intelligence, and spacecraft, which used to appear only in Hollywood sci-fi movies, have already become part of our daily lives. Recently, those technological solutions, which seemed distant and unreachable, have made human life easier and brought the future closer. A model of artificial intelligence called China's "DeepSeek" was launched into usage. It became the most downloaded application on the Apple Store within just a few hours. Let's provide you with more information on this. WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE? Simplistically, artificial intelligence or "AI" means making computers like humans. It means machines can independently learn and solve problems by analyzing a vast amount of information through technology. In recent years, OpenAI's AI-based assistant ChatGPT has gained popularity, and people are using it extensively. We can ask the chatbot about anything, finding information, answers, and solutions easily. Today, hundreds of millions of people around the world are using ChatGPT to simplify their work and lives, from writing emails and correcting errors to assisting with complex tasks. WHAT IS DEEPSEEK? China's AI chatbot called "DeepSeek" works just like ChatGPT but is more powerful and efficient. Last year, OpenAI introduced its "o1" model, which effortlessly tackles complex higher mathematics problems and helps with coding as well. DeepSeek is indisputably more productive when comparing the time and resources spent. However, there are some drawbacks. For instance, it is sensitive on political topics. If you ask DeepSeek what happened on June 4, 1989, in Tiananmen Square, the response would be, "Sorry, I cannot answer this question. I am designed to provide helpful, harmless answers as an artificial intelligence assistant." Here we see that the Chinese government is very cautious and applies censorship on AI projects, imposing restrictions on information sources and data. However, it is intriguing to see how long AI can be restrained, as this technological solution continuously develops itself and learns from data. Perhaps one day it could disclose what really happened at that square to the public. WHY IS DEEPSEEK SPECIAL? The Chinese have managed to create a high-tech solution at a very low cost. OpenAI spent a total of $100 million to launch ChatGPT, whereas the training cost of DeepSeek was only $6 million. OpenAI's co-founder Sam Altman even taunted the Chinese, saying they couldn't develop AI with less than $10 million. DeepSeek was created using the "A100" chip from Nvidia, an export to China which has been banned since September 2022. However, the company leaders stated they used 50,000 A100 chips. Experts believe that old chips were probably combined for their use because the cost of 50,000 A100 chips is very high. Upon its launch on Apple's App Store, DeepSeek quickly became the most downloaded app and soon faced major harmful attacks, leading to restrictions placed on it. Even the company's website went offline for a while due to high traffic. WHO IS BEHIND DEEPSEEK? Chinese engineer Lian Wenfeng founded DeepSeek in December 2023 and introduced the first AI model in 2024. Information about him is not very public. However, he graduated from Zhejiang University with a degree in electronics and computer science engineering. People last saw him at a meeting with China's Premier Li Qiang. Lian Wenfeng has no financial problems. He is the executive director of the hedge fund "High-Flyer," which makes investment decisions by analyzing financial data with AI. "High-Flyer" was the first quantum hedge fund to raise 100 billion yuan in China in 2019. The process of making investment and trade decisions with the help of AI is called quantum trading. In an interview last year, Lian Wenfeng said, "If the U.S. developed the quantum trading sector, why can't China? People say there's a 1-2 year gap between Chinese and American AI technology, but the main difference is between real and imitation. Unless that changes, China will always be a follower." In other words, Lian Wenfeng criticized Chinese tech companies for imitating American companies. When asked why American companies are shocked, he replied, "They are astonished to see a Chinese company entering the game as an innovator rather than a follower for the first time." WHAT IMPACT HAS DEEPSEEK HAD ON AMERICANS? Most importantly, it showed Americans that improving AI with expensive, high-capacity chips is flawed. DeepSeek is a project created with 2022 technology at a very low cost. In contrast, American AI developers spend hundreds of millions of dollars annually buying Nvidia's new and powerful chips. DeepSeek has made cutting-edge AI accessible to the world at a low cost. Nvidia, once a continuously growing chip manufacturer, saw its stock price drop unprecedentedly recently. First, it fell by 17%, then another 4%. The company's market valuation dropped from $3.5 trillion to $2.9 trillion, ranking it behind Apple and Microsoft in market valuation. DeepSeek is a private company and does not publicly trade its shares. If they start trading shares publicly, there could be a market boom. CHINA'S PRIDE The launch of DeepSeek reduced China's subordination to Western technology. Although the Communist Party did not officially announce anything, state media stated that DeepSeek greatly impacted Silicon Valley and Wall Street companies. Nasdaq stocks reportedly fell by 3%. Dr. Marina Zhang, an associate professor at Sydney University of Technology, stated, "DeepSeek proved the growing capability and independence of China's technology. This company's success marks the beginning of a new era of national tech company leaders in China's Innovation 2.0." IS DEVELOPING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE POSSIBLE FOR MONGOLIA? Mongolians have already stepped into the AI sector. Various AI-based services are being provided in society, but not sufficiently. There are several shortcomings on many fronts. Obviously, there is not enough human resources. There aren't enough developers, data analysts, and engineers in this field. The most important issue is the lack of data. We need to train our models on massive amounts of data to deliver more advanced, sophisticated, and accurate AI products and services to society. Additionally, the infrastructure is inadequate. There is no capacity or technological resources to store and process such large amounts of data. The prices of the latest powerful chips available in the market are continuously rising. Significant funds are needed to purchase them. The price of the A100 chips used by DeepSeek currently ranges from $8,000 to $20,000 depending on capacity. But remember, this is 2022 technology. Of course, we do not use just one. DeepSeek, for example, used a total of 50,000 chips. Processing them raises the issue of electricity. Running at high capacities 24/7 will "consume" electricity like drinking water. As we know, Mongolia is in a critical energy situation. Consequently, labor force, infrastructure, funding, and data issues exist for Mongolians.

Back to Table of Contents

Mongolia Prepares to Participate in PISA Assessment for the Second Time

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: gogo.mn

According to Article 35.6 of the General Law on Education, "The quality of education will be assessed by an international authorized organization every three years." Mongolia is preparing to participate in the 2025 PISA assessment for the second time. The PISA assessment has been organized by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) every three years since 2000 and is considered one of the major international assessments, with more than 90 countries participating. This assessment is notable for evaluating how 15-year-old students are able to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired in their daily lives and for revealing the level at which the country's education system imparts these skills. Mongolia participated in the PISA assessment for the first time in 2022. In preparation for this study, a trial evaluation was conducted in April-May 2024, involving 32 schools and 2,513 students who completed tasks and questionnaires, along with an equal number of parents, 154 teachers, and 32 school principals and training managers who participated in the survey. For the main study, approximately 190 schools and about 7,500 students will be selected by sampling. The Ministry of Education, the General Department of Education, the Educational Assessment Center, and other related organizations will jointly organize the study from March to May 2025.

Back to Table of Contents

Which Official Made What Illegal Decision and How the Court Finally Established It Can Be Seen Through a Developed Electronic System

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The State Civil Servants Council held a meeting today at the General Department of Taxation to introduce the newly updated electronic system for state civil service. With this electronic update, notifications of illegal appointments in the civil service will arrive in the electronic system, allowing for comprehensive nationwide monitoring. In addition, civil servants can view vacancies that match their qualifications, requirements, and skills through the system, make selections, and take exams. Chairman of the State Civil Servants Council, L. Tsedevsuren, provided a detailed introduction and information on this matter. He said, "Our organization is responsible for maintaining the unified register of state civil service organizations and employees operating in our country, according to the Civil Service Law. This register was previously maintained in Excel but has been gradually moved to electronic form since 2022. Furthermore, from 2024, information that was exclusively available to government agencies will become available to citizens, the public, and state civil servants in a dashboard format. Also, a system has been developed that allows civil servants to log in with their special credentials to check, monitor, and update their information. We are developing a selection and evaluation system for civil servants. Through this system, individuals now have the opportunity to submit their materials for positions that suit them. It will be possible for citizens to openly know who passed the civil service examinations or not and the criteria that were evaluated. However, illegal appointments in the civil service and decisions that disadvantage civil servants continue to occur. The State Civil Servants Council is implementing many measures to reduce this but has not achieved very effective results. Therefore, we have begun implementing an update where reports of illegal appointments will be sent to the electronic system. By operating this system, we collect the appointment information of people who do not meet the requirements of the Civil Service Law and position descriptions, or who have not undergone selection. In this way, legal advice and recommendations to prevent risks are provided to the person who made the decision about the appointment. A time frame is then given to correct and rectify the situation. If the illegal appointment-related issues are not rectified within a certain time frame, our organization will annul the decision. Additionally, previously, damages caused to the state were recorded on paper, but now they have been moved to an electronic system. Therefore, we developed a system that allows seeing when and by which official an illegal decision was made and how the court finally established it. Through this system, it will be possible to view information on when and what payment the official has to make to the state according to the court ruling. This system enhances the accountability of state officials," he said. Note: Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social, and Web pages) must always cite their source (ikon.mn) when using our information in any form, in full or in part.

Back to Table of Contents

Today: Meeting to introduce electronic system for Human Resource Management Information System

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Overview of today's events: 11:00 AM: A meeting to introduce the electronic system "Human Resource Management Information System," which provides the ability to monitor information on illegal appointments and vacancies in public service, will be held at the conference hall of the General Department of Taxation. 11:00 AM: A press conference about the new transport system and the 1000 Tugrik fare will be held in the meeting hall on the 4th floor of the Capital City Administrative Center. Contact: 99104180, 88013245. 1:00 PM: A series of discussions organized by the State Great Hural on "The Tax System of Mongolia, Current Situation and Need for Reform," with the topic "Implementation of the Tax Package Law, Challenges, and Solutions," will be held at the MNCCI. Contact: 88444121, 99034043. 7:00 PM: The "Chinggis Khaan" Order of the State’s top-ranked Morin Khuur Ensemble will present a performance of Mongolian art at the Philharmonic Hall. Artist Rinchingiin Bayasgalan's "Hunnu Mongol: Treasury Chess" exhibition will continue at the Chinggis Khaan National Museum until March 12. Applications for tuition fee discounts for students studying in domestic and overseas universities and for first-time homebuyers are being accepted from January 1 at the General Department of Taxation. Abroad: The Mongolian Language and Script exhibition will be organized in Taiwan, Seoul, South Korea, and Tokyo, Japan from January 15 to February 25.

Back to Table of Contents

Health

NCCD: The Years 2025, 2026 Will Be Years of Meningococcal Outbreak

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: itoim.mn

The National Center for Infectious Diseases provided information about flu and meningococcal infections. In Nalaikh District, a case of meningococcal infection has been recorded, and the child is undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit of the NCCD. The child's condition is currently very severe. The meningococcal vaccine is not included in the routine vaccination schedule for children, but it is possible for children over the age of two to voluntarily receive the vaccine. Adults can also receive the vaccine, which provides protection for 5-6 years. The NCCD has announced that the season for outbreaks of this disease is starting. The NCCD states: Meningococcal infection is a bacterial infection transmitted through airborne droplets. It is a disease with a very high risk of death due to unique rashes on the skin, brain swelling, and shock from tumors. Surveillance data suggest that it tends to occur in cycles of 5-10 years. The years 2025 and 2026 are expected to be years of meningococcal outbreaks. Mainly children between the ages of 3 and 9 are affected. The disease progresses in two forms. The symptoms of meningitis, or inflammation of the outer membranes of the brain, include confusion, severe pain, convulsions, and sudden fever. There will be unique hemorrhagic rashes on the skin. The disease is classified as mild, moderate, severe, and very severe. The patient's condition is measured not by days but by hours. The case recorded in Nalaikh District was delayed in diagnosis. Medical attention was sought only when the condition was critically severe. We had to transport the child because the condition was extremely serious. There are carriers of the bacteria that cause meningitis, mainly adults with inflamed sore throats. Infection can also occur by contact with a person who has the disease. In cases of meningitis alone, the mortality risk is 15%, but for those with severe disease, 95-100% mortality is seen. It is a serious illness.

Back to Table of Contents

NCCD: Child with Meningococcal Infection Passes Away

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: itoim.mn

A case of meningococcal infection was reported in Nalaikh District, leading the district's emergency commission to temporarily restrict public activities. The infection in the child was confirmed through testing. It was reported by the Nalaikh District Health Center that the child's condition was severe. The NCCD announced that the child, who had contracted meningococcal infection and was in critical condition, passed away this morning. Additionally, in 2024, five suspected cases of meningitis were reported and confirmed through laboratory tests, all of whom have recovered. However, in 2025, two suspected cases were reported, and one resulted in death. A suspected case was reported yesterday from Bayangol District, and laboratory testing is underway. Currently, one child is hospitalized at the NCCD for diagnosis, and their condition is stable. Moreover, the years 2025-2027 have been declared as years of meningococcal disease outbreak.

Back to Table of Contents

Meningococcal Infection Reported in Nalaikh, School and Kindergarten Operations Halted

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

A meningococcal infection case was reported in Nalaikh District, leading the district's Special Commission and Health Center to convene an emergency meeting. Professionals identified close and distant contacts of the infected individual, urgently conducted tests, and provided recommendations. Additionally, disinfection and sanitation were swiftly carried out in schools and kindergartens across the district. The Ministry of Health, the National Center for Communicable Diseases, Ulaanbaatar's Health Department, and the district's Special Commission are continuing their investigations in the affected area. From yesterday, the primary school of the "Golomt" complex, School No. 160, and Kindergarten No. 307 transitioned to online operations. Health officials provided an update. The director of the Health Center, L. Baigal, stated, "Symptoms suggestive of meningococcal infection appeared in a young child, and a sample was sent to the NCCD. Confirmation of a positive result was received. An emergency meeting was called, and response measures were taken. The infected child's household consists of eight members, the child attended kindergarten and experienced high fever during the night. The child was at kindergarten until the morning when they visited the family health center. Subsequently, the child was transferred to the district hospital for examination and treatment. Five infectious disease specialists from the NCCD have arrived and are assisting. Samples from those close to the patient were negative." The child's condition is serious. Health Center staff reported that the child is in critical condition, suffering from infection and toxic shock, with rashes covering the body. Treatment began and new rashes have not appeared. Six individuals in close contact with the patient have been isolated, but their tests returned negative, so they were sent home. Following the halt of operations in the mentioned educational institutions, a false rumor about three children contracting meningococcal disease was spread on social media. Clarification was made by ceasing operations of the kindergarten (No. 307) where the infected child was enrolled, as well as the adjacent School No. 160 within the same building. As a family member of the infected child attends the primary school at the "Golomt" complex, it also moved to an online format. Primary and secondary schools operate in separate buildings, so initial measures involved handling them accordingly. If additional cases are recorded, all educational institutions will be closed. According to the Special Commission's information, all 41 classrooms and 70 dormitories covering 250 square meters in 25 educational establishments in the district were disinfected overnight, and children's temperatures were checked as they arrived at school or kindergarten. Family doctors conduct daily inspections in schools and kindergartens. Initially, operations in three educational institutions were halted for 10 days following the district governor's order. All cultural events, sports activities, meetings, and conferences will be suspended in the district until next Monday. If more cases are reported, all educational activities will cease. Preparedness must include isolation rooms and pharmacies. In an emergency meeting, an announcement was made to all preschool, school medical personnel, principals, and directors. Kindergartens and schools are required to have isolation rooms, thermometers, and pharmacies ready, ensuring the use of masks by parents and children, conducting regular oral and body examinations, checking for any rashes, sending home children who cough, have a fever, or sore throat, registering those treated at home, consistently providing attendance reports, offering accurate information to the public, regularly exchanging air, and advising on mouth and nose rinsing. A 10-day alert period has also been declared district-wide. Ch. Urtnasan, an epidemiologist at the Influenza National Center of the NCCD, commented: "While vaccinations were administered against meningococcal infections in 2008-2009, infections were nearly eliminated. Cases surged before COVID-19 but decreased during lockdowns. They are now resurging. Meningococcal infections can rapidly worsen and lead to death; they are often termed lightning-fast meningitis due to the severe fever and rash that begins on the lower body. Immediate treatment is crucial to prevent fatalities, especially in young children. Even one case of meningococcal infection is considered an outbreak. Therefore, responses are still underway district-wide against this airborne droplet-transmitted disease. Approximately 80% of those affected are children under four years old. Adults may carry the bacteria without symptoms and act as transmitters. Hence, maintaining hand hygiene, rinsing mouth and nose when entering from outside, and disinfecting before approaching children is essential. Every household should have a thermometer and a basic pharmacy. Meningococcal bacteria cause high fevers, vomiting, headache, drowsiness, blood rash, light sensitivity, neck stiffness, and seizures. If any of these symptoms are present, we urge immediate medical consultation."

Back to Table of Contents

A Suspected Case of Meningococcal Disease Reported in Bayangol District

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The Health Center for Communicable Diseases (HCCD) has provided information on the current situation of meningococcal infections. It was reported that a boy in Nalaikh District contracted meningococcal disease and has passed away. Furthermore, a suspected case of the infection was registered in Bayangol District, and they are awaiting results from laboratory tests, according to the HCCD. Here are some preventive measures to avoid this disease. Symptoms to watch for: - Sudden high fever - Vomiting - Fatigue and lethargy - Sensitivity to bright light and loud noises - Hemorrhagic rash - Severe headache and joint pain - Loss of appetite Preventive measures: - Treat acute and chronic inflammations of the nose and throat - Wash your face and hands every morning and use garlic, lemon, and sea buckthorn juice - Ventilate rooms to prevent infection - Wash hands regularly - Consume foods rich in vitamins to strengthen immunity - Dress warmly according to the season - Wear a mask and regularly disinfect hands

Back to Table of Contents

Meningococcal Infection is Transmitted Through the Respiratory Tract, and CHILDREN are the Main Risk Group

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The National Center for Infectious Diseases (NCID) provided information about the situation of meningococcal infections. During this, doctors answered questions from journalists related to risk groups and complications. Young children fall within the risk group. The progression of meningitis infection depends on the human immune system and the severity of the illness. All age groups are at risk of getting sick. However, from observations of previous cases, children up to five years old tend to suffer more severely. This disease worsens very quickly. The main causes of death and serious complications are septic shock and brain swelling. The infection is transmitted through the respiratory tract. It was warned that the source of this disease is an infected person and carriers who harbor the infection in their nose and throat. Warning: Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social, and Web pages) must mention the source (ikon.mn) if they use our information in whole or in part in any form.

Back to Table of Contents

Arts

Mongolian Artists' Exhibition to be Held at the East-West Center in Hawaii

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: isee.mn

An exhibition of Mongolian artists titled "Healing Nature" is set to take place at the "East-West Center" gallery in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, from the 9th of next month until May 4th. During the exhibition's opening on the 9th of next month, an art performance will be presented, and artists will also demonstrate calligraphy. The exhibition will feature works by Nomin B., Baataarzorig B., Gerelhuu G., Anunaran J., Amaraa D., Soyoilmaa D., Enkhzaya E., Tsagaantsooj E., Dolgoon B., Enkhnomin H., Urjinhand O., and Byambajav Ts. Their works draw inspiration from the nomadic culture, the life of contemporary Mongolians, traditional clothing, nature, and the changes and harmony in relaxation methods. They have created their works in various forms, reflecting these themes.

Back to Table of Contents

A 1500-Year-Old Buddha Statue Found Near Ingut, Bulgan Province

Published: 2025-01-31 | Translated from: isee.mn

A Buddha statue dating back approximately 1500 years was discovered inside a ceremonial structure dating to the Rouran period near Ingut, Bulgan Province, by archaeologists. Research has determined that this statue is among the earliest physical evidence confirming the initial spread of Buddhism. While it is believed that Buddhism has a 2000-year history in Mongolia, this find serves as tangible proof that Buddhism had indeed spread in Mongolia. Previously, no such upright Buddha statues with similar depictions had been found in the steppes of Mongolia, further increasing the value of this discovery. Unearthed in the central part of a ceremonial temple facing the sunrise, the statue was found with its stone base intact, featuring a decorative architectural element with a turtle shape, dating to the period 416-538 AD. Researchers highlight that this is a unique and invaluable artifact bearing witness to the early spread of religion. Among the artifacts, architectural face tiles, decorations, and temple materials from the Northern Wei dynasty, which existed between the 380s and 530s in northern China, were also found. The Northern Wei was an empire established by the Toba clan of the Xianbei lineage.

Back to Table of Contents

Today's Stories

Politics

Economy

Diplomacy

Infrastructure

Society

Environment

Innovation

Health

Arts

Politics

In the Long Run, Shift Towards a System Where Everyone Pays Taxes

2025 Announced as the "Year of Fighting Corruption"

A.Bayar: We Will Eliminate Corruption and Coercion from State Services in the Capital

D. Davaadorj: Civil society organizations play a crucial role in democracy, justice, human rights, and social development

D. Amarbayasgalan: Adopting a Budget Without a Deficit for the First Time Reflects Parliament's Pluralistic Approach

H.Battulga to Hold 'Natural Resources for Every Citizen' Meeting

Economy

"Business and Investment Opportunities" Conference Held

Oyu Tolgoi spends seven trillion MNT domestically in 2024

Interest Rate on Working Capital Loans Decreased

L. Tör-Od: Updating the Tax Package Law Can Reveal the Underground Economy

What Loans Are Available to Help You Develop Your Small and Medium-Sized Business?

The impact of Trump's policies and US tariffs on China's economy: An analysis of three scenarios

128 Thousand Tons of Coking Coal Traded on the Exchange

"Harming Businesses That Have Already Signed Long-term Contracts and Received Advances"

Entrepreneurs often lack sufficient knowledge about taxes, leading to common pressure

VAT Refunds to be Tiered Based on Purchase Amounts

K.Gankhuyag: A proposal will be submitted to the Ministry of Finance for every citizen to receive a 100% refund for their first purchase of 500,000 MNT

Producing Various Products from Camel Wool in Ömnögovi

Diplomacy

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako to Visit Mongolia in July

Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan to Visit Mongolia for the First Time

Foreign Minister B. Battsetseg Meets Ambassador M. Igavahara

Japanese Emperor to Visit Mongolia in Early July

President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh Plans State Visit to Poland After Lunar New Year

Infrastructure

The Underground Mine Has Reached a Length of 15,752 Meters

N. Ganbaa: Implement passive building principles in all projects as Ulaanbaatar faces a crisis

What was included in the draft law to support the planning, construction, and development of Kharkhorin city?

The Construction of the Cable Car from Yarmag to the First District to Begin in March

Bus Fare to be 1000 MNT from Tomorrow

You Can Now Travel by Public Transport for ₮1,000 Per Day, Regardless of Time or Direction

Use 'Umoney' and 'UBcard' to Pay 1000 Togrog for Four Rides

The decision to charge 1000 tögrög for the bus ride will take effect tomorrow

Society

Research-Based, Child-Friendly Policy Needed to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals

The UN urges the Government of Mongolia to reconsider its decision violating children's rights and issues a statement

Environment

J. Batbold: The Standard of Mongolia's Briquette Fuel is Artificial and Does Not Meet International Requirements

The Association of Humidifiers of South Korea Expresses Desire to Cooperate in Improving Ulaanbaatar's Air Quality

Citizens to Participate and Ask Questions During the General Hearing on Smoke Pollution

Warning of Increased Cold Snap

A Big Challenge Awaits Air Pollution Hearing Participants

Refusal to Enter into Contract with Company Ecoresource for the Supply of 32,000 Stoves

Innovation

Is Mongolia Ready for the AI Wave After DeepSeek Shakes America?

Mongolia Prepares to Participate in PISA Assessment for the Second Time

Which Official Made What Illegal Decision and How the Court Finally Established It Can Be Seen Through a Developed Electronic System

Today: Meeting to introduce electronic system for Human Resource Management Information System

Health

NCCD: The Years 2025, 2026 Will Be Years of Meningococcal Outbreak

NCCD: Child with Meningococcal Infection Passes Away

Meningococcal Infection Reported in Nalaikh, School and Kindergarten Operations Halted

A Suspected Case of Meningococcal Disease Reported in Bayangol District

Meningococcal Infection is Transmitted Through the Respiratory Tract, and CHILDREN are the Main Risk Group

Arts

Mongolian Artists' Exhibition to be Held at the East-West Center in Hawaii

A 1500-Year-Old Buddha Statue Found Near Ingut, Bulgan Province

You might also like...

Mongolia News Summary for February 22, 2025

Mongolia News Summary for February 21, 2025

Mongolia News Summary for February 20, 2025

Mongolia News Summary for February 19, 2025

Mongolia News Summary for February 18, 2025