Jan 3, 2025 58 min read Daily News Summaries

Mongolia News Summary for January 03, 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

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: gogo.mn

Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene stated during his New Year's address, "Since the economic indicators are stable, we will submit changes to the tax and social insurance package laws during the spring session of the State Great Khural. We will base these changes on the opinions of citizens and businesses." The revised version of the General Law on Social Insurance was approved, and additional provisions were added. This law is relevant to many people, including those currently employed, retirees, and students soon entering the labor market. It's a crucial law as it is directly related to our income. Under the current law, we pay the following types of social insurance: Types of Social Insurance - Employer's contribution rate from payroll and equivalent income (percentage):

Pension insurance - 8.5%
Benefit insurance - 1.0%
Occupational accident and disease insurance - 0.5%, 1.5%, 2.5%
Unemployment insurance - 0.5%
Employee's contribution rate from salary and equivalent income (percentage):
Pension insurance - 8.5%
Benefit insurance - 0.8%
Occupational accident and disease insurance -
Unemployment insurance - 0.2%
Total contribution:
Employer's total rate - 10.5%, 11.5%, 12.5%
Employee's total rate - 9.5% The contribution rates vary based on the industry's payroll. For example, businesses in the telecom sector pay 11.5%, whereas the mining sector pays the highest at 12.5%. Minister L. Enkh-Amgalan has announced that the legal environment for building multi-tier pension systems for insured individuals will be updated. The government has not yet provided detailed information on how they plan to change the social insurance package laws. However, a notable issue that needs addressing is the pension system for military and law enforcement personnel, who can retire at 45 under favorable conditions. According to Minister L. Enkh-Amgalan of Family, Labor and Social Protection, no other country allows retirement at 45, which contributes to the pension fund deficit. These personnel only pay health insurance contributions, not social insurance or unemployment insurance contributions. The General Tax Law was adopted in 2019. The draft law on corporate income tax (AANOAT) was submitted along with the state budget law. According to this draft, all equipment for manufacturing activities will be exempt from customs duties starting this year. Different tax rates will be applied in different regions starting this year. To support development projects, equipment used in such projects will be exempt from customs duties, and the VAT payment will be deferred by four years. From the start of operations after completion, real estate taxes will be payable, as stated in the state budget proposal and accompanying projects. Expenses made within the scope of social responsibility are also tax-exempt. Implementing these exemptions and reliefs is expected not to reduce state budget revenues, as the regulations aim to support future rather than current income. Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene reiterated, "Since the economic indicators are stable, we will submit changes to the tax and social insurance package laws during the spring session of the State Great Khural. We will base these changes on the opinions of citizens and businesses."

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Former Chief of Staff P. Tsagaan Detained in Singapore

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: gogo.mn

P. Tsagaan, the former Chief of Staff of the President's Office and shareholder of "Achit Ikht" LLC, has been detained in Singapore. He is being investigated in connection with the activities of "Achit Ikht" LLC, which processes the reserves of secondary deposits of waste ore unsuitable for the technology of the Erdenet Plant to produce cathode copper. While the company denied the reports of P. Tsagaan's detention, Minister of Justice and Home Affairs O. Altangerel confirmed, "It is true that P. Tsagaan has been detained in Singapore."

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An Extraordinary Meeting of the Government is Underway

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The government is holding an extraordinary meeting today at 11:00 AM. The meeting is discussing several issues: - The progress of the highway project in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city. - Accelerating major projects included in the joint government's 2024-2028 action plan, declared to support the capital's infrastructure in 2025, and their socio-economic significance. - The financial performance, current status, and 3-year operational plans of state-owned companies and enterprises over the past 10 years. - A presentation of the work being implemented by the National Committee on Air Pollution Reduction.

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Change Comes When Corruption is Stopped, Detected, and Held Accountable

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: news.mn

An interview with Dr. A. Enkhbat, Associate Professor at the Business School of the National University of Mongolia. How would you evaluate the economic performance of Mongolia in the past year, 2024? In 2023, Mongolia's real economic growth was 7.4%. For 2024, growth is expected to be over 5%. This growth is mainly driven by the mining sector, including the extraction and prices of coal, copper, and iron ore. As of November 2024, the balanced total revenue of the state budget was 26 trillion MNT, the total expenditure and net loan amount was 24.7 trillion MNT, and the total balanced budget was profitable at 1.3 trillion MNT. It is expected that the balanced budget for 2024 will also be profitable. The total foreign trade turnover for the first 11 months of 2024 was $25 billion, with export revenue of $14 billion and import revenue of $10 billion, resulting in a $4 billion trade surplus. Compared to 2023, the total foreign trade balance has decreased by $1 billion. The consumer price index or inflation was 8.1% for the first 11 months, suggesting a possibility to end the year with a single-digit figure. The total money supply in the market is 41.5 trillion MNT. Mongolia's total foreign debt as of the first 9 months amounted to $35.6 billion. From these macroeconomic indicators, it seems that Mongolia's economy had a favorable year with minimal external and internal shock impacts, a profitable budget, a favorable trade balance, single-digit inflation, continued dominance of the mining sector, reduced external debt pressure, and has returned to pre-Covid economic levels. International financial institutions had made predictions for Mongolia's economic growth in 2024. The Asian Development Bank forecasted in September 2024 that the economic growth of Mongolia would reach 5.5% for the year, up from the earlier projection of 4.1%. This growth was mainly attributed to expansion in the services and industrial sectors, particularly mining. The World Bank estimated a 5.3% economic growth for Mongolia as projected on November 29, 2024, supported by expected increases in private consumption, fiscal expansion, and private investment. Growth of 6.5% is predicted for 2025. The International Monetary Fund also predicted a 5.5% growth for Mongolia’s economy. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development observed that growth in Mongolia would be stable in 2024 but slightly lower than in 2023. In the first half of 2024, the economy grew by 5.6% compared to the same period the previous year. Overall, 2024 was a year of economic growth for Mongolia, where the mining sector played a significant role. However, economic risks remain. Given the significant growth in macroeconomic statistical indicators, what should be focused on to ensure this growth positively impacts households? Stronger macroeconomic figures are a positive signal for the national economy, but to genuinely impact households and improve their quality of life, focus should be on several areas. Firstly, employment and income growth are crucial. Economic growth should directly benefit citizens by creating jobs and increasing wages. Therefore, policies to support small and medium-sized businesses, and investment in innovation and technology-based job creation is essential. Secondly, controlling inflation is necessary. Growth should not elevate inflation to levels detrimental to household purchasing power, hence maintaining stable monetary policy and price stability is crucial. Thirdly, reducing income inequality is important. Economic growth should be broadly shared to improve living standards. Therefore, reducing income gaps, improving the social security system, and effectively implementing welfare policies are critical. Fourthly, investing in quality education and healthcare. To improve citizens’ quality of life, access to and the quality of education and healthcare services must be enhanced, which in turn enhances labor productivity and supports sustainable economic growth. Fifthly, infrastructure and regional development. For economic growth to reach households, improving infrastructure such as roads, transportation, energy, and housing is necessary. Special programs to improve living standards for rural residents are also vital. Sixthly, increasing financial access. Connecting households to financial services, providing small loans, and access to low-interest financing is crucial to boost economic activity among citizens. Seventhly, ensuring environmental sustainability. Planning economic growth to be environmentally friendly will ensure sustainable household development in the long run. By implementing these measures, macroeconomic growth can transition from merely quantitative to having a positive and practical impact on citizens' daily lives. However, despite economic growth, the general public knows that the improvement in the average household life is not substantial, with prices of goods rising daily, insufficient quality in education and healthcare, pollution, and traffic congestion remaining as negative factors. The approved 2025 budget still features many optimistic prospects, doesn’t it? There is concern that the prices and exports of the primary export commodities like copper and coal are overly optimistic? The key factors affecting Mongolia's budget, finances, and economy in 2024 were the price levels and supply-demand dynamics of mining product exports, investment flow, and domestic financial discipline. Copper and coal exports remained the main drivers of economic growth. In 2025-2026, Australia’s coal exports are expected to increase by 15.0 million tons, and the development of new railway lines and ports from Russia’s Elga coal deposits is projected to increase the exportable amount of coal by 15.0-20.0 million tons in 2025. The outlook from Australia’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources suggests that China’s steel production is not expected to increase in 2025-2026. Furthermore, the geopolitically complex and uncertain conditions in international markets, China’s economic challenges, and Russia's continued increase in the export of oil, gas, and coal to China make overly optimistic forecasts of 2025 economic growth and export revenue highly risky. For Mongolia, the continuation of the Tavantolgoi-Gashuunsukhait railway construction, expected to be completed by the fall of 2025, will have relatively little immediate impact on coal exports next year. I agree that excessively optimistic forecasts regarding the prices and export volumes of key commodities, like coal, copper, and iron ore, increase the risk of a budget deficit. Although the Parliament has approved a balanced budget for 2025, the actual execution and influences from domestic and international factors suggest that achieving this target is unlikely. Watch out for the following risks: Price Volatility of Raw Materials: fluctuations in copper and coal prices on the international market have direct impacts on the economy. If the projected prices in the budget are not met, revenue shortfalls are likely. Export Volume: Infrastructure constraints, logistics issues, and dependence on China's coal demand pose risks to Mongolia's exports. Overly Optimistic Projections: Overly optimistic assumptions about export volumes and prices, aimed at raising budget revenue, could destabilize macroeconomic balance. However, there are positive factors affecting the economy and budget, such as the potential benefits from Oyu Tolgoi. The scale of copper production could increase, raising export revenue. If infrastructure projects in cooperation with China are successful, export flows will improve. The optimistic forecasts in the 2025 budget will have a positive impact on domestic development and employment, but it is imperative to balance these with realistic risks. Increased imports due to excessive growth will increase the current account deficit. In reality, export and budget performance is likely to fall short of expectations, with budget revenue deficits leading to increased state budget deficits, delays in projects, and increased numbers of uncompleted constructions. The 2025 budget plan's projected revenue and financing disruptions could lead to the suspension and rollover of investments and projects. Mongolia’s economic conditions are directly dependent on its two neighboring countries. Mongolia is dependent on Russia for energy and oil products, and on China for export income. What economic policies should be pursued to reduce reliance on these two neighbors? To reduce Mongolia's economic dependence on its two neighbors, it is important to implement a diversified economic policy. The following strategies should be implemented for this purpose. First, diversify exports and enter new markets: Establish trade relations with other countries and diversify export directions. For example, intensify the "Third Neighbor" policy and produce processed products instead of relying on raw material exports, increasing export revenue through value-added products. Service Exports: Increase focus on sectors like tourism and information technology to grow service export revenue. Second, reduce energy dependence. Develop renewable energy: Develop solar, wind, and hydroelectric power plants to increase domestic energy supply, and improve energy efficiency and conservation policies in infrastructure and industries. Third, promote domestic production by developing the industrial sector: Implement policies to promote domestic production, such as agriculture, food production, and building materials. It is necessary to improve the business environment and implement policies to encourage small and medium-sized enterprises through preferential loans and tax benefits. Fourth, achieve financial independence: this involves foreign investment policies: Establish a transparent and stable legal environment to attract international investors. On the other hand, develop domestic financial markets, such as stock exchanges, insurance, and investment funds, to increase domestic financial sources. Fifth, develop regional integration and international cooperation. In terms of economic integration, further expand economic relations with countries in East and Central Asia, and establish trade agreements with third countries to create a wider market for goods and products. These measures will play an important role in reducing dependency and ensuring sustainable development in the medium to long term for Mongolia’s economy. Economic indicators tend to decline in the years following election years. Last year, the nation-wide elections took place, resulting in a year of bloated budget and financial activities. Could this economic bubble burst this year? Your observation of the economic cycle is quite accurate. In election years, countries tend to exhibit overly generous and populist fiscal and monetary policies, often resulting in bubbles in the economy. This is generally related to the strategies politicians employ to win votes before elections. Since 2008, the average increase in budget expenditures during election years has been 28.5%, 13.4 percentage points higher than non-election years. We see a growing trend: our budget expenditures tend to increase sharply every four years. For example, in 2008, the budget expenditures increased by 47.1% from the previous year. In 2012, it increased by 20.4%, continuing to rise during the subsequent election years. The post-election year budget: In the year following an election, budget expenditures are generally reduced. For instance, it was reduced by 8% in 2009 and by 5.1% in 2017. So it seems that the election year has more influence on fiscal policy than the market or economic conditions. The budget expenditures for 2024 were 22.3% higher than those for 2023, amounting to 27.4 trillion MNT. In the past eight years, budget expenditures have tripled. In 2020, the budget deficit reached a record 4.4 trillion MNT, followed by a 3.7 trillion MNT deficit in 2016. Our national budget has only been surplus in the non-election years of 2010 and 2018. However, in 2024, the election year, the budget was surplus. Yet, several economic and fiscal challenges may arise in 2025. First, budget constraints: After elections, most countries typically cut budget expenditures and rebalance revenues and expenditures, which could negatively impact economic activity. Given the overly optimistic expenditure forecasts, it is highly likely that two budget revisions might be needed. Second, inflation and credit growth: If money supply increased in 2024, such as directly distributing 121,500 MNT in dividends from the Erdenes Tavantolgoi 1072 shares to every citizen, leading to the 6% salary increase for civil servants from January 1, 2025, the level of inflation might remain high in 2025. Consequently, the central bank could be forced to increase policy rates, leading to higher business costs and reduced investment. The potential bursting of an economic bubble depends on several factors. If the government undertakes effective measures to stimulate the economy, ensure efficient project implementation, and reduce overly inflated costs, then the bubble might not burst too quickly. Conversely, foreign investment, export revenue, and global market conditions all have direct impacts on Mongolia's economy and should therefore be taken into consideration. In summary, the likelihood of the bubble bursting is high, but the timing and speed depend on both domestic policy and external circumstances. It is predicted that the economy will grow by 8% this year. National manufacturers and wealth creators have an important influence on economic growth. What positive impacts can be expected from domestic enterprises and business environments this year? Domestic enterprises and producers play a key role in economic growth, and positive impacts on the business environment this year can be predicted due to several factors. Firstly, if the government implements policies to support small and medium-sized enterprises, offers financial incentives, and simplifies taxes, it would positively influence business operators. Furthermore, stabilizing economic growth by improving the investment climate and implementing programs to attract foreign investment will increase the competitiveness of domestic businesses. Second, if the banking and financial sector maintains easy loan conditions and low-interest rates, domestic enterprises can boost their investments. Third, increased infrastructure investment and the resolution of issues related to electricity and logistics will enhance efficiency in production and service sectors. Fourth, if inflation remains stable and controlled, businesses can optimally plan expenses, and consumers' purchasing power will increase. Fifth, improvements in export and import regulation, along with policies to protect national manufacturers, will enhance the competitiveness of domestic enterprises. However, in addition to these factors, risks remain such as declining demand in international markets, fluctuations in coal, copper, and iron ore prices, and the instability of legal and regulatory frameworks. It is clear from these assessments that supporting national manufacturers and improving business environments will play the most critical role in achieving 8% economic growth. Rising prices of basic consumer goods are a commonly cited issue among citizens. With salaries, pensions, and welfare allowances set to increase this year, how might this affect the prices of basic consumer goods? Increases in salaries, pensions, and welfare allowances stimulate demand in the economy, which could lead to an increase in the prices of basic consumer goods. This is typically referred to in economic theory as demand-pull inflation. The effects are as follows: Increased Demand: When citizens' incomes rise, spending increases, thus increasing demand in the market. If supply cannot meet demand, prices are likely to rise. Rise in Business Costs: With increased wages, business costs also rise, which can be reflected in product prices, potentially causing cost-push inflation. Competition: If market competition is low, price increases can be felt more sharply. However, if competition is high, price increases might be relatively subdued. In this scenario, governmental and central bank policies must be effectively implemented to control price increases. These might include increasing supply, supporting market competition, and meticulously executing monetary policy. Ultimately, although improved incomes enhance purchasing power, uncontrolled price increases could adversely impact living standards. At the end of the year, the Government distributed a total of 425 billion MNT, equivalent to $123 million, to citizens' accounts. This decision inflated the economy, particularly contributing to potential inflation increase. It would have been more prudent for the Government to allocate this resource towards resolving energy issues. Both the public and citizens have emphasized this concern. The negative consequences of these actions are likely to bring significant challenges in the year ahead. In 2024, Mongolia’s international credit ratings were upgraded by multiple global agencies. It is expected that this will create favorable conditions for attracting foreign investment. There are expectations that the 14 mega projects targeted by the government will be realized this year. How are foreign countries perceiving Mongolia in real terms? In 2024, Mongolia’s international credit ratings were upgraded by global ratings agencies, creating favorable conditions for attracting foreign investment and reflecting improved economic indicators. Moody’s updated Mongolia's credit rating to "B2" with a "Positive" outlook in November 2024. Fitch Ratings upgraded Mongolia’s rating to "B+" with a "Stable" outlook in September 2024. S&P Global raised Mongolia’s credit rating to "B+" in October 2024. These advancements indicate improvements in Mongolia's economic growth, fiscal discipline, debt management, and financial stability. The enhancements in credit ratings increase the value of government foreign bonds and create conditions for improved ratings for commercial banks and private sector companies. Nevertheless, some sources point out insufficient legal and other environments for securing foreign investment in Mongolia. Therefore, while improving credit ratings positively impacts attracting foreign investment, there is still a need to improve the investment environment, ensure legal stability, and develop infrastructure. The perception of foreign countries towards Mongolia is primarily reflected in the level of investment they are willing to make in the country. While Mongolia’s credit ratings have improved, without improvements to the legal framework and the tax environment by the Government and Parliament, foreign entities are unlikely to rush into investments. Finally, could you briefly mention the main factors that have influenced Mongolia's economic growth over the past 30 years, and what policy environment do you believe is needed going forward? Indeed, since transitioning from a centrally planned economic system to a market economy, our country has faced numerous challenges and achieved multiple milestones. However, if asked whether the economic growth, living standards, national capability, citizens’ income, health, education, social status, environmental conditions, urbanization levels, and governance might have been different, the answer is yes. The policies implemented by successive parliaments and governments, alongside the actions of politicians, have ultimately created current pitfalls such as pseudo-democracy, bureaucratic governance, widespread poverty, deterioration in health and education sectors, environmental pollution, city smog, inefficient infrastructure, traffic congestion, and rampant corruption and bribery with entrenched networks that are challenging to eradicate. The substantial income disparity has also grown significantly. Therefore, if necessary, substantial changes in governance systems and a decisive legal overhaul, possibly starting with constitutional changes, are needed. Unless genuine, implementable policies are executed by the Government and Parliament, this vicious cycle, where Mongolia and its citizens remain impoverished, will persist. For example, starting with the basics, corrupt individuals and their networks entrenched in the judiciary, police, Parliament, government ministries, agencies, state and local-owned companies must be caught, exposed, and transparently held accountable. Only then will good governance illuminate the future for Mongolian's upcoming generations, allowing economic issues to become a subsequent matter to address.

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Decisions from the Government Meeting

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: itoim.mn

The regular meeting of the government was held, where the following issues were discussed and resolved. The Prime Minister issued an official order regarding the projects and measures to be implemented within the first 100 days of 2025. In connection with declaring 2025 as the "Year for Supporting the Development of the Capital's Infrastructure", the implementation of major projects and measures included in the joint government's 2024-2028 action program, which have social and economic significance, were accelerated. The Prime Minister's order was issued to ensure the fulfillment of the following projects and measures, achieving specific results within the first 100 days of 2025. Government members were assigned duties and responsibilities. The following measures were assigned to be implemented by the relevant members of the government and Mayor of Ulaanbaatar and Ulaanbaatar City Governor Kh. Nyambaatar to support the development of the capital's infrastructure. These include: - Approving the draft general development plan of Ulaanbaatar city until 2040, - Creating the legal environment for the establishment of the "Hunnu Smart City" satellite city, - Step-by-step initiation of the construction and assembly work of the gas-fired heating plants operating at peak load mode of Ulaanbaatar city's centralized heating system, as well as the heating plants of the city sub-centers, - Studying and presenting proposals for expanding "Thermal Power Plant II" and constructing a new "Thermal Power Plant V", - Studying and implementing the economic efficiency of the waste-to-energy project, - Implementing insulation projects to reduce heat loss of households in ger districts and achieving energy savings, - Increasing the capacity and updating the engineering infrastructure of Ulaanbaatar city, and accelerating the implementation of projects and programs in each sector. A Rapid Response Team was established to expedite the implementation of projects and measures within the "Year for Supporting the Development of the Capital's Infrastructure", led by three Deputy Prime Ministers, with relevant ministers working alongside them. Additionally, within the framework of implementing the 14 mega projects and other significant projects and measures included in the joint government's 2024-2028 action program, emphasis was placed on achieving results for the "Oil Refinery Construction Project", "Natural Gas Pipeline Project" involving transit from the Russian Federation to China through Mongolian territory, the product sharing agreement with "PetroChina Daqing Tamsag", "Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod Border Connection Railway", "Zuuvch Ovoo", "Tavantolgoi Thermal Power Plant", the Gobi region water supply project, "Fourth Agricultural Campaign", and "New Kharakorum City" projects among others. Construction and assembly work on the Tual Highway will commence in March. Regarding the progress of the Tual Highway project in Ulaanbaatar city, Erdeneburen R., Minister of Mongolia and Chairman of the National Committee of the 20-Minute City, gave a presentation. This road starts from the four-lane Nalaikh road, or Bayanzurkh Bridge, and continues up to a total of 32 km to the safety loop that leads to the western provinces in the territory of Songinokhairkhan District. It is planned to have few entrances and exits, not intersecting with city roads at the same level, not obstructing traffic, expanding the Asian Highway network, providing a bypass for Ulaanbaatar city, and allowing a travel speed of 80-100 km/h. This month, tenders for the construction and assembly work of the Tual Highway will be announced, and construction will commence in March. The current status and objectives for the next three years of some state-owned companies and enterprises were discussed. The financial results of the last 10 years, the current status, and the operations and objectives for the next three years of some state-owned companies and enterprises were presented at the government meeting. In today's government meeting, the audited financial statements for the end of 2023 were presented, alongside the performance of "Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi" JSC, "Erdenet Mining Corporation" SOE, "MongolRosTsvetMet" SOE, "MIAT" SOE, and "State Bank" JSC, which operated profitably in 2024. These five companies and enterprises in the mining, civil aviation, and banking sectors earned a total of 15 trillion 304 billion MNT in revenue, spent nine trillion 247 billion MNT, and achieved a net profit of four trillion 504 billion MNT, according to the audited financial statements for the end of 2023. A total of 122 state-owned and state-involved companies and enterprises operate in sectors such as energy, road transport, mining, banking, finance, information, communications, food, agriculture, light industry, construction, urban development, environment, tourism, sports, culture, arts, and external relations, employing approximately 60,000 people. According to the 2023 audited financial statements, they collectively possess a total of 64 trillion 200 billion MNT in assets, generated 23 trillion 617 billion MNT in revenue, spent 16 trillion 912 billion MNT, and operated with a net profit of four trillion 983 billion MNT. Although they collectively operated with a nearly five trillion MNT net profit, 4.75 trillion MNT of this total net profit was generated by five companies and enterprises: "Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi", "Erdenet Mining Corporation", "Erdenes Mongolia", "Agricultural Corporation", and "State Bank", whereas 380 billion MNT was contributed by 51 other companies and enterprises. Meanwhile, 43 companies and enterprises operated at a loss, with a total loss amounting to 150 billion MNT. The government has initiated regulatory reforms to improve the operations of state-owned companies and enterprises. For example, in connection with the enactment of the Law on the 2025 State Budget, the Law on State and Local Property was amended to include regulations for state-owned companies and enterprises to operate transparently, openly, productively, and efficiently. Furthermore, the primary law concerning state-owned and locally owned companies has been drafted.

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Military Registration Starts on the 6th of This Month

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

Military registration will begin on the 6th of this month and will continue until February 10th. Men aged 18-50 who are in military reserve duties are required to register. This includes reserve officers up to the age of 55, reserve non-commissioned officers up to the age of 60, senior reserve officers up to the age of 60, and senior military officers up to the age of 65. It is also possible to send a request online through the unified electronic service portal "E-Mongolia". When registering, arrive with the following documents: National ID card, and military duty certificate (reserve officer or non-commissioned officer certificate) to have it recorded. Individuals who have lost or misplaced their military duty certificate or who have just turned 18 need: two 3x4 size photographs, national ID card, and a work or student ID. Those who do not participate in military registration or evade it during the specified period will be held accountable according to the laws and regulations on violations.

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The Court for Simplified Criminal and Civil Proceedings Begins Operations

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: itoim.mn

From January 1, 2025, the District Court for Simplified Criminal and Civil Proceedings will begin operations. This court will have special jurisdiction and procedural rules for handling cases. By establishing the simplified court, the opportunities for accessing justice for plaintiffs, defendants, victims, and other participants in cases will be expanded, reducing procedural time and costs, thereby alleviating financial burdens for citizens seeking judicial services. This also further guarantees the protection of citizens' rights through the courts and increases public trust in the judicial system. For the courts, it will provide proper allocation of case management, development of specialized judges, and advancement of the judicial system. In a broader sense, it represents a new step in the development of judicial power, opening a new chapter in the accessibility and implementation of justice. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Mongolia, D. Ganzorig, stated, "The Court for Simplified Proceedings is the most important part of judicial reform. In 2021, when revising the Law on Courts, the goal was to address all the shortcomings of the old system. In 2024, we assessed the reasons for losing public trust and sought to establish justice through transparency and consistent application of the law, by shortening judicial procedures and making case processes swift and specialized, thereby fulfilling citizens' rights to a fair trial. By rigorously implementing all these measures, we will gain public confidence. You have the historic task of initiating this change with your newly established court, and you must conscientiously work with the highest responsibility. A single wrong act by one person must not be allowed to undermine public confidence in the judiciary," he emphasized. The President of the Criminal Chamber, Ch. Khosbayar, stated, "Your court will lay the foundation for implementing procedural controls that prevent case reversals and introduce the advantages of systems that protect human rights. Implementing judicial leadership within the judiciary sector is a step towards making it effective. You must protect the belief that people turn to the judiciary because they trust it, not reject it. All these values will become even more evident in the future," he said. At the end of the meeting, the Administrative Office of the Supreme Court shared a presentation about the system related to the amendments to the Law on Courts, which will be implemented from January 1, 2025. This includes holding open court hearings, directly broadcasting corruption cases, and making recordings available to the public. Source: Supreme Court

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The Government's Regular Meeting is Scheduled for 11:00 Today

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: isee.mn

The government held an extraordinary meeting on Monday to discuss and resolve issues such as the air pollution in the capital city. As a result, under the heightened state of readiness, ministers worked on a public holiday. Today, the regular government meeting has been scheduled for 11:00.

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Parliament Expanded to 126 Members Celebrated, Leaders Discuss Unity and Future Work with Citizens

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: isee.mn

Annually, on the evening of December 31st, it is customary for the President, the Speaker of the Parliament, and the Prime Minister to address the citizens with New Year greetings. This time, as usual, the Speaker of the Parliament and the Prime Minister's greetings were distributed to the media by the press offices of the Parliament and the Government. However, the President's greeting was pre-arranged with television stations to be broadcast to citizens at the very moment of the new year. This year, it was D. Amarbaysgalan's first greeting as the Speaker of the Parliament, whereas for President U. Khurelsukh and Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene, it marked their fourth time delivering such "New Year greetings." - ALL STATE LEADERS PRAISE THE PARLIAMENT'S EXPANSION TO 126 MEMBERS IN THEIR GREETINGS - The President, U. Khurelsukh, as per tradition, specially congratulated the military, police, and emergency services in his New Year message. He has similarly recognized this sector in his 2021, 2022, and 2023 greetings. This time, the three state leaders emphasized in their greetings the constitutional amendment that increased the Parliament to 126 members, highlighting the resulting increase in female members in the Parliament. Specifically, President U. Khurelsukh noted, "It was a unique year wherein we elected the first Parliament with 126 members, organized our government, and led Asia with the representation of female members in our Parliament." Speaker of the Parliament D. Amarbaysgalan stated, "By electing your top legislative body with 126 members through a mixed electoral system, you have opened a new chapter in the history of parliamentary governance. Leading Asia in the proportion of female members is an achievement." On the other hand, Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene said, "For the first time, 32 female members were elected to the new Parliament, leading in Asia. With 80 of the 126 members being newly elected, this shows a significant transition in our political landscape." - THEY EMPHASIZED "DEMOCRATIC MONGOLIA" IN THEIR GREETINGS - The state leaders highlighted "Democratic Mongolia" in their greetings this year. The international situation may have also played a role in this emphasis. President U. Khurelsukh underlined, "Mongolia, with a great history of statehood, stands as a democratic country in the heart of Central Asia..." Speaker of the Parliament D. Amarbaysgalan remarked that "social consensus and understanding—the core of which is enshrined in the Constitution—are crucial principles for building a humane and civil democratic society." Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene noted that the new 126-member Parliament formed by the Constitutional amendment, structured through a mixed electoral system, signifies "the start of the second wave of democracy." - U. KHURELSUKH STRESSES FOREIGN POLICY, L. OYUN-ERDENE HIGHLIGHTS RAILWAY AND URANIUM PROJECTS - Both President U. Khurelsukh and Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene noted in their greetings: "The economy grew by 5%, and foreign exchange reserves reached 5 billion USD, with the 2025 budget being approved without deficit." However, President U. Khurelsukh focused on Mongolia's current foreign policy, emphasizing his high-level state visits throughout 2024, saying these were "important works demonstrating and advertising Mongolia's history, culture, achievements on the global stage," which might conclude as the "peak year for foreign relations and cooperation." Meanwhile, before the New Year, Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene’s frequent use of the word "difficult" was criticized by many. However, in his message, he deliberately avoided using it. He specified, "Together, we faced a new year with closed borders, fuel shortages amidst COVID and war." Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene detailed his work, noting that "projects revitalizing border posts are stabilizing, air transport has been liberalized, tourism has recovered compared to the pre-COVID period, and tourist numbers have doubled." He also mentioned agreements such as the Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod border linkage signed between governments since 2003 and the investment agreement related to uranium extraction with the Badrah Energy-Orano company, debated for over 20 years, reaching a unified decision by the Parliament. Furthermore, in 2024, 34% of strategic deposits were consolidated under the National Wealth Fund and citizen savings accounts. By the end of the year, each citizen had amassed savings of 138,000 MNT. "This is the result of our joint struggle over the past three years and serves as a starting point for the fair distribution of wealth," he emphasized. - PRESIDENT EMPHASIZES UNITY, SPEAKER AFFIRMS EQUALITY BEFORE THE LAW, PRIME MINISTER PLEDGES COOPERATION WITH CITIZENS - President U. Khurelsukh reiterated the importance of unity, while Speaker of the Parliament D. Amarbaysgalan emphasized equal application of the law to everyone. Meanwhile, Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene repeated his commitment to working alongside citizens. To illustrate, President U. Khurelsukh concluded his message by advising that "improving ethics, discipline, and responsibility at all levels and working energetically, in an orderly, patriotic, and united manner should be our main objective in the coming new year." Speaker of the Parliament D. Amarbaysgalan stated, "under the rule of law, everyone should enjoy equal rights." Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene ended his greeting with a promise that "the joint government will not remain anchored in the offices but will work alongside you in the heart of major projects." Interestingly, this is not the first time Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene has spoken about "working and fighting alongside the people." During the parade in April of 2022, he mentioned, "Your protests are greatly supporting the President, Prime Minister, and the Government. If I am constrained in the palace, I will come out and stand with you."

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Economy

Salaries, Pensions, and Taxes to Increase in Line with Inflation in the New Year

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: isee.mn

The following is a summary of how salaries, pensions, and taxes will be increased in line with inflation, along with the laws that will take effect from January 1, 2025. - MINIMUM WAGE TO BE 792,000 MNT: The minimum wage has been increased annually since 1995. As of April 1, 2025, the minimum wage will be 4,715 MNT per hour, or 792,000 MNT per month. - DOUBLE THE ALLOWANCE FOR MOTHERS WITH HONORARY MEDALS: At a government meeting, a decision was made to double the allowances for mothers with honorary medals. Thus, mothers with a first-class award, who previously received 200,000 MNT per year, will receive 400,000 MNT. Mothers with a second-class award will see their allowance increased from 100,000 MNT to 200,000 MNT. - INCREASE IN SPECIAL CONDITIONS PAY FOR ARMED FORCES AND BORDER GUARDS: The law on public service stipulates that Mongolian citizens have the right to equal opportunities in the public service. In line with this law, the government updated the policy for additional payments for special conditions granted to officers and contract servicemen of the armed forces and border guards, which will be calculated at 10-25% of their base salary starting January 1, 2025. - PUBLIC SERVANTS' SALARIES TO RISE BY 6%: The salaries of 226,000 public servants are projected to be increased by 6% to account for inflation in 2025. This will bring minimum salaries for state administrative and professional service workers to 1,166,000 MNT, 1,632,400 MNT in Soums, and 1,399,200 MNT in other regions, whereas the minimum salary for general state service workers will be 954,000 MNT, reaching up to 1,335,600 MNT in Soums. - PENSIONS TO INCREASE BY 6% IN LINE WITH INFLATION: The government has decided to increase pensions provided by the social insurance fund and military service pensions. According to the law, pension amounts will be adjusted annually based on the previous year's average inflation rate starting January 1. About 505,000 pensioners will see a 6% increase, with minimum proportional pensions rising to 572,400 MNT and full pensions to 689,000 MNT. - BUS FARES TO BE 1,000 MNT: From January 1, 2025, citizens using buses will pay 1,000 MNT and can ride up to four times per day. Additional rides will require another 1,000 MNT fare, and student discounts on public transport will be eliminated. - INCREASE IN HEATING TARIFFS: The energy regulatory committee has raised electricity tariffs starting November 15, 2024. Heating tariffs will rise to reflect the actual cost from May 16, 2025. Households will pay updated tariffs starting September 15, and organizations from October 1, 2025. - ROAD USAGE FEES WILL INCREASE FIVEFOLD: Fees will rise for vehicles with engine capacities as follows: 10,000 MNT to 100,000 MNT for vehicles under 2000cc, 30,000 MNT to 150,000 MNT for 2001-3000cc, and 50,000 MNT to 250,000 MNT for over 4000cc. Fees are paid annually. - VEHICLE TAXES WILL TRIPLE: New vehicle taxes will apply from the New Year, based on engine capacity, with 694 MNT daily and 250,000 MNT annually for engines over 4000cc, 416 MNT daily and 150,000 MNT annually for 2001-3000cc, and 275 MNT daily and 100,000 MNT annually for below 2000cc. - COMMUNITY SERVICE FOR UNPAID FINES: From January 1, if a driver has over 450,000 MNT in unpaid fines, they must do community service, calculated at 8 hours per day equivalent to 15,000 MNT. - OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE IN MONGOLIAN AND CYRILLIC: The new law on the Mongolian language includes a requirement for using both Latin and Mongolian Cyrillic scripts in state administrative documents. - IMPROVEMENTS IN FINANCIAL PRODUCTS FOR HERDERS: Changes to the law on herders seek to enhance financial services, improve cooperation with banks and industries, and support sustainable practices. Low-interest loans for building shelters, restoring pastures, and buying equipment are planned. - SUPPORT FOR SENIOR CITIZENS: Amendments to the law on senior citizens aim to increase economic activity and allow seniors to continue working, preserving their knowledge and experience. The amendments also address economic abuse issues, ensuring seniors' legal protections and enhancing their participation in society.

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South Gobi: Loans of 1.4 billion tugriks granted to support SMEs

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: montsame.mn

In 2024, South Gobi Province provided concessional loans amounting to 1.4 billion tugriks to 13 businesses under the project aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Between 2020 and 2023, concessional loans totaling 10.5 billion tugriks were granted to 88 projects. About 60% of this concessional loan was allocated to the production sector and 40% to the service sector. Within the framework of the "New Cooperative" movement, over 200 herders from 67 cooperatives in South Gobi Province received concessional loans totaling 8.6 billion tugriks. Additionally, loans amounting to 3.7 billion tugriks were granted to 25 cooperatives for projects aimed at the production and trade of dairy products.

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Prices of Base Metals Rise in China in Anticipation of Manufacturing Expansion in 2025

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: gogo.mn

In China, the Purchasing Managers' Index has remained at the 50-point level for three consecutive months. On the first trading day of 2025, the prices of industrial metals closed in the growth zone. Recent surveys have shown that investors expect not only an expansion of manufacturing in China this year but also an intensification of economic support measures from Beijing. On Tuesday, copper prices on the London Metal Exchange, which had been closing at their lowest level since March, edged up by one percent. The prices of zinc, nickel, aluminum, and lead also rose and closed trading with gains. In China, the Caixin Purchasing Managers' Index remained above 50 points for three consecutive months. This indicates a gradual recovery of the economy in the country, which has high metal consumption. Furthermore, the LMEX Index of the London Metal Exchange, which tracks six types of metals, rose by four percent on the last trading day of 2024. At the end of last year, there was a decrease in reserves and supply shortages from mines, leading to a drop in demand for metals in China. This year, commodity investors are focusing on whether the real estate sector in China will recover and the potential impact of a "Trade War" that could arise during Donald Trump's administration.

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Diplomacy

Visa-Free Travel Period Extended for South Korean Citizens

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: news.mn

The period for South Korean citizens to travel to Mongolia without a visa has been extended by one year. Specifically, since 2022, the Government of Mongolia had temporarily allowed South Korean citizens to travel to Mongolia without a visa. This permission was initially until December 2024, but has now been extended until December 31, 2025. As a result, there is an expectation of growth in Mongolia's tourism market in 2025. However, for purposes other than tourism, such as employment, studying abroad, long-term residency, or personal visits, the appropriate visa is required. According to the General Authority for Border Protection of Mongolia, there are 32,543 foreign citizens registered for official or personal residency in Mongolia from 132 countries. Breaking it down by country: 1,511 from the USA, 1,776 from South Korea, 17,849 from China, 4,424 from Russia, and 6,983 from other countries. Looking at the purposes of foreign citizens residing in Mongolia: 644 for official purposes, 14,006 for employment, 6,227 for studying, 2,852 for investment, 1,779 immigrants, 50 for religious purposes, and 6,985 for family and personal purposes.

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Beginning Dual Use of Mongolian Script in State Affairs

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Some provisions of the Mongolian Language Law began to be implemented on January 1, 2025. Specifically, Article 7.2 of the law states, "Based on the necessary preparations and in stages, state and local self-governing organizations shall conduct their official affairs in both Cyrillic and the national script," as mentioned in Article 11.1.2. According to this provision, the government is tasked with developing and implementing medium and long-term national programs, rules, and guidelines to increase, protect, and develop the use of the Mongolian language and script, and to officially transition to the use of the national script. Article 24.2 of the law states, "The provisions of Section 7.2 of this law shall be followed starting from January 1, 2025." In other words, the provision in 7.2 that "state and local self-governing organizations shall conduct their official affairs in both Cyrillic and the national script" began to be implemented from the first day of the new year. Warning: Media organizations (including TV, radio, social media, and websites) must always cite the source (ikon.mn) if they use our information fully or partially in any form.

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Infrastructure

Within the First 100 Days of 2025, Study and Present the Issue of Constructing a New 'Thermal Power Plant V'

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The issues discussed at the Cabinet meeting are being presented. In connection with the announcement of declaring 2025 as the "Year of Supporting the Development of Urban Infrastructure," an official directive was issued by the Prime Minister with the aim to achieve tangible results within the first 100 days of 2025. This involves accelerating the implementation of major projects and measures included in the 2024-2028 Action Program of the joint Cabinet while ensuring the realization of the following projects and measures of social and economic significance. Instructions and directives were given to members of the Cabinet to achieve these goals. To support the development of urban infrastructure, the following measures are recommended to be implemented by the relevant members of the Cabinet and the Mayor of Ulaanbaatar City, H. Nyambaatar. These include: - Approving the draft of the General Development Plan of Ulaanbaatar City until 2040; - Establishing the legal framework for the "Hunnu-smart city" satellite city; - Gradually initiating the construction and installation work of gas-fired thermal power plants operating at peak load regimes of Ulaanbaatar City's centralized heating supply system as well as thermal power stations of the city's sub-centers; - Expanding "Thermal Power Plant II" and studying to present the issue of constructing a new "Thermal Power Plant V"; - Studying and implementing the economic efficiency of producing energy by waste incineration method; - Implementing an insulation project to reduce heat loss in households in ger areas and to create energy savings; - Establishing and expanding the engineering infrastructure of Ulaanbaatar City and augmenting capacity, as well as accelerating the implementation of projects and programs in each sector. It was decided to establish a Rapid Response Headquarters to enhance the implementation of the projects and measures under the "Year of Supporting the Development of Urban Infrastructure," with the three Deputy Prime Ministers leading and relevant ministers participating. Also, for the implementation of 14 mega projects and other major projects and measures included in the joint Cabinet's 2024-2025 Action Program, such as the "Petroleum Refinery Construction Project," the natural gas pipeline transiting from Russia to China through Mongolian territory, the product sharing agreement with "PetroChina Daqing Tamsag," the border connectivity railway of the Gashuunsukhait-Ganqmod port, the "Zuunbayan" and Tavan Tolgoi thermal power plant, the Gobi region water supply, the "Atar IV Campaign," and the "New Kharkhorum" city project, attention to their realization and achieving results was mandated. Warning Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social and Web pages) should note that when using our information in any form, full or partial, it is mandatory to cite the source (ikon.mn).

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The government's meeting will discuss the progress of the Tuul highway project

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The regular meeting of the government will commence today at 11 a.m. The meeting will discuss the progress of the Tuul highway project in Ulaanbaatar city. In connection with declaring 2025 as the Year for Supporting the Capital's Infrastructure, the work on major projects included in the joint Government Action Plan for 2024-2028, their socio-economic significance, and the financial performance of state-owned companies and factories over the past 10 years, as well as their current situation and plans for the next 3 years, will be reviewed. Additionally, the presentation of the activities being implemented by the National Committee to Reduce Air Pollution will be heard.

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The progress of land clearance for the project to build 20,000 housing units in Ulaanbaatar is at 60%

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: ikon.mn

In an effort to reduce air and soil pollution in Ulaanbaatar and to provide housing for ger districts, a project has been initiated to build a complex of 20,000 apartments in the areas of Selbe, Bayankhoshuu, and Khaan material. This project is planned to implement a "20-minute city" unified planning that will create the opportunity to access all types of government and social services in one place. In particular, a model city named Selbe will be established in the 14th district of Sukhbaatar and the 14th and 18th districts of Chingeltei. The engineering infrastructure of the project has been completed, and out of the 2,000 units of land to be cleared across 158 hectares, over 1,700 units have been cleared so far. The Bayankhoshuu city project, covering 45 hectares in the 9th district of Songinokhairkhan, plans to build a housing complex for 5,000 families, where the infrastructural construction work has been completed. The construction of the first phase of green apartments for 440 families has begun. Additionally, in the 6th district of the same area, a design for a 3,000-unit housing complex covering 9.7 hectares around Khaan material is planned to be completed by April this year. The project's land clearance process is currently at 60%, with 135 land units cleared, and it aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 72,000 tons annually. Notice: Media organizations (television, radio, social networks, and websites) must mention the source (ikon.mn) when using or partially using our information in any form.

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Enterprises to switch to using coke coal and transition to gas fuel in stages

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: isee.mn

Minister of Environment and Climate Change S. Odontuya is leading the National Committee on Reducing Air and Environmental Pollution. During the first meeting of this committee, it was mandated to organize a council of scientists with the ministries responsible for this task, to improve the transition to gas and renewable energy, as well as the quality, standards, and technology of improved briquette fuel, and to conduct studies to provide consolidated conclusions and proposals. In this regard, Minister S. Odontuya, together with the staff of the National Committee's working office, examined the situation of businesses with small steam boilers burning raw coal. - THE PSYCHIATRIC HEALTH CENTER BUILDING WILL BE CONNECTED TO THE CENTRAL HEATING PIPELINE - During this time, it was decided to urgently connect the Psychiatric Health Center building, located in the Songinokhairkhan district of the capital city, which has a steam boiler from the 1960s, to the central heating pipeline. Measures were also decided to be taken to transition some enterprises in the Chingeltei district that use steam boilers to provide centralized heating to schools, kindergartens, branch offices, and public housing in the ger district, to burn coke coal and transition to gas fuel in stages. As of today, 174 state boilers and 200 private sector boilers with special energy permits, consuming more than 100 kW of raw coal power, are using 150 thousand tons of raw coal and 50 thousand tons of middling in the air quality zone of Ulaanbaatar city. By upgrading the technology of these boilers and enabling them to burn gas and semi-coked coal, a swift transition in fuel can lead to a 28% reduction in fuel use and emissions compared to when burning raw coal.

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Fee for road usage increases five times, vehicle tax triples

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: itoim.mn

In the capital city Ulaanbaatar, starting from January 1, 2025, the official vehicle tax and road usage fee have been increased. When approving the budget for the city of 2025, these taxes and fees were increased 3 to 5 times, with this increase expected to contribute about 200 billion MNT to the city's budget. Specifically, depending on the engine capacity, the official vehicle tax was previously paid annually, ranging from 36,000 to 300,000 MNT. However, starting January 1 this year, the official vehicle tax has tripled; for instance, the tax for a small car with an engine capacity of 1500 cm3 has risen from 36,000 to 108,000 MNT. Meanwhile, the road usage fee, which was 20,000 MNT, has been increased fivefold to 100,000 MNT. A person with a mid-sized car of 3500 cm3 engine capacity was paying an official tax of 114,048 MNT, which has now tripled to 341,250 MNT. Moreover, a vehicle with a 3500 cm3 engine had been paying 40,000 MNT annually as a road usage fee, which has now increased fivefold to 200,000 MNT. Vehicles with engine capacities up to 2000 will annually pay 100,000 MNT, those with 2001 to 3000 engine capacities will pay 150,000 MNT annually, vehicles with 3001 to 4000 engine capacities will pay 200,000 MNT annually, and those with engine capacities above 4001 will pay 250,000 MNT annually. Drivers should pay their official tax and fees as follows by their vehicle plate numbers: - If it ends with 1 or 6, in January - If it ends with 2 or 7, in February - If it ends with 3 or 8, in March - If it ends with 4 or 9, in April - If it ends with 5 or 0, in May.

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Construction of the Tuul Speed Highway to Begin Next March

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The regular meeting of the Government was held, and the following issues were discussed and resolved. Mongolian Minister and Chairman of the "20-Minute City" National Committee R. Erdeneburen presented the progress of the Tuul Speed Highway project in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. This road will start from the four-lane highway in Nalaikh, beginning at the Bayanzurkh Bridge, and extend a total of 32 km to a safe roundabout that branches off to the western provinces within the territory of Songinokhairkhan District. With few interchanges, the road will not intersect the city's roads at the same level, will not obstruct traffic, will increase the network of Asian highways, and will provide an opportunity to bypass Ulaanbaatar City, with a projected driving speed of 80-100 km/h. This month, a tender for the construction works of Tuul Speed Highway will be announced, and construction will commence in March.

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Power Outages in Nine Areas Across Two Districts Until 16:30

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: isee.mn

Due to damage to power lines, electricity has been restricted in nine areas across two districts. Specifically, power outages occurred around 14:30 today in Bayangol District’s 20th area, and Songinokhairkhan District’s 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 24th, 32nd, 5th, and 6th areas. According to UBEDN LLC, the power restriction is expected to continue until 16:30. The Energy Regulatory Commission reported that on January 1, 2025, the peak load of the energy system reached 1432 MW at 19:00 hours, which is an increase of 160 MW compared to the same period last year, while imports increased by 41 MW. Therefore, UBEDN LLC advises users to switch off unnecessary electrical appliances and manage their usage during these times.

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EHC: Peak Power Load Increased by 160 MW

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: news.mn

On January 1, 2025, at 19:00, the peak load of the power system reached 1432 MW, an increase of 160 MW from the same period last year, and imports rose by 41 MW, according to the Energy Regulatory Commission. Mayor of the Capital, Kh. Nyambaatar, announced before the New Year that the 50 MW battery station in Baganuur district had been commissioned on December 1, 2024. A state commission has accepted it. The first block of the Booroljuut power station has started its thermal station's operation and has been running normally for 26 hours. At this rate, it will connect with the central power system on December 29, 2024, providing 150 MW. We aim to prevent power restrictions during the New Year transition. Initially, during a test in November, a fire occurred in the furnace conveyor. If power from Baganuur and Booroljuut stations is supplied at the time of the New Year's transition, there will be no power shortage at that moment," he said. The Booroljuut power station, located 120 km from Ulaanbaatar, based on the Booroljuut brown coal deposit, consists of four blocks with a total capacity of 150 MW each. In total, a 600 MW capacity station will become operational. The second block is scheduled for October 2025, the third block in 2027, and the fourth block in 2028. Once the station starts operating at full capacity, it will reliably provide 20-30% of Mongolia's energy consumption with a cheap source. Additionally, 1040 new permanent jobs will be created, and a settlement area with over 2000 inhabitants, featuring railway, paved roads, and other engineering infrastructure, will be established.

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Postponement of Bus Fare Increase to ₮1,000

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The timeline for increasing the fare to ₮1,000 for public transport buses has been postponed. As of January 1, 2025, in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, the fare for public transport bus services was announced to increase to ₮1,000 for four daily trips by the Public Transport Authority. However, the implementation of this updated tariff has been temporarily postponed. According to a source, there is a need to improve the development of the public transport bus payment system. As a result, the previous fare structure remains in place, where adults pay ₮500 and children pay ₮200 to ride public transport buses, with free transfers allowed within 30 minutes. Notice: Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social and Web pages) should ensure they mention their source as ikon.mn when using our information in any form, whether fully or partially.

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Increasing Road Usage Fees to Improve Infrastructure

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: news.mn

One of the most pressing issues for residents of Ulaanbaatar is undeniably the traffic congestion. Numerous measures have been implemented by different governments to alleviate congestion. Ultimately, it has become apparent that the sole method to reduce congestion is by improving the roads, building overpasses and expressways, and diversifying the types of vehicles that use them. For instance, last year, 137.1 km of roads were completely renovated in the capital, which is ten times longer compared to the average over the last 10 years. In comparison, 12.9 km were renovated in 2021, 15 km in 2022, and 18.5 km in 2023, showing significant results in 2024. As of January 1, 2025, the UB City Council's resolution to increase the vehicle and self-propelled vehicle taxes by 2-3 times and the road usage fees by 5 times will be in effect. Though it seems like an increase in taxes and fees is a burden for the citizens, in reality, it represents a major investment in renewing and improving the roads, thus reducing congestion. Many citizens expect that instead of distributing money as dividends, valuable infrastructure developments, which truly benefit society, should be conducted. Now, for instance, if you own a Prius-20 automobile, you will pay 100,000 MNT annually in road usage fees. This translates to 8,333 MNT monthly, or 278 MNT daily for using the roads. On the other hand, if you have a car with an engine capacity over 5000cc, such as a Lexus 570, you will pay 250,000 MNT annually in road usage fees, which is 20,833 MNT monthly, or 694 MNT daily. The revenue from these taxes and fees will be allocated to the city's road fund, aiming to increase the revenue source of the road fund by 151.5 billion MNT, as projected in next year’s budget. Naturally, all of this investment is planned for improving and expanding the urban road network, reducing congestion, maintaining roads, conducting regular repairs, and modernizing equipment and technology through the approved projects and programs.

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A New Regulation to Address Traffic Violations Involving Fines Over and Under 450,000 MNT is Being Implemented

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: ikon.mn

A new regulation to address traffic violations involving fines over and under 450,000 MNT is being implemented. According to mpa.mn, starting from this month, a new regulation is being enforced in Mongolia. If a driver violates the country's Road Traffic Regulations and the fine exceeds 450,000 MNT, the driver will be required to perform community service work. This will be carried out by making the driver work 8 hours a day with a wage of 15,000 MNT. However, if the fine is less than 450,000 MNT, the driver will be obligated to pay it, and the vehicle will be placed in a holding area until the fine is paid in full. In Ulaanbaatar city, there are 231,397 vehicles that have not paid their official taxes, and 355,300 vehicles with outstanding fines imposed by law. The regulation to resolve these violations will continue for five months. Warning: Media outlets (Television, Radio, Social, and Web pages) must cite the source (ikon.mn) when using our information in any form, whether fully or partially.

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Power Load Increases by 160 MW

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The peak load of the energy system reached 1432 MW at 19:00 on January 1, 2025, which is an increase of 160 MW compared to the same period last year. Imports rose by 41 MW, as reported by the Energy Regulatory Commission. The commission recommends smart management of the increased energy consumption and suggests reducing it where possible. For instance, by turning off stationary computers during the one-hour lunch break, enterprises and organizations could save 8900 MNT annually. It is noteworthy that since December 29 of last year, the Booroljuut power plant has been connected to the central system and started producing 150 MW of energy. Once the plant operates at full capacity, it will significantly contribute to reliably and affordably supplying 20-30% of Mongolia's energy needs. Additionally, 1040 new permanent jobs will be created, and a residential area with infrastructure including railways, paved roads, and other engineering substructures for over 2000 residents will be developed.

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Society

The Capital City Declares 2025 as the “Year of Development”

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Ulaanbaatar. At the meeting of the Government of Mongolia held on December 25 last year, 2025 was declared as the “Year to Support Development of the Capital City.” In this context, today, Mayor H. Nyambaatar issued a decree declaring 2025 as the “Year of Development” with the purpose of implementing the 2024-2028 action program of the Capital City Governor and the main directions of Ulaanbaatar's development plan for 2025. A working group will be established to organize the activities to be implemented within the framework of the “Year of Development,” and to provide integrated management. The first deputy governor of the Mayor's Office, T. Davaadalai, was assigned to develop and finalize the integrated activity plan by January 15 and to organize its implementation. Furthermore, within the framework of the target year, the district governors and heads of the local government organizations of the capital city were instructed to incorporate the measures being implemented into the organizations' performance plans, to support infrastructure, development projects, and programs; to increase innovative solutions, technology incorporation, and standards-compliant landscaping and green spaces; and to coordinate activities aimed at improving social development and the living environment of citizens.

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The 'Zoovchoo Ovoo' Project to Unbind Mongolia

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: news.mn

For Mongolia, which has long relied on its neighbors for energy, the implementation of its uranium extraction project that has been stalled for 27 years will mark not only a breakthrough in the global nuclear energy sector but also lay the foundation for becoming an industrialized nation. Extracting raw materials for nuclear energy is seen as a step toward developing nuclear power plants. Recently, the government submitted an investment agreement draft to the State Great Khural for the "Zoovchoo Ovoo" project, which is being planned in cooperation with France. Although the matter has been discussed, it has yet to be approved. If the project is approved by the State Great Khural, it will become the second major mining project in Mongolia after the Oyu Tolgoi project. Although the uranium reserves in the Zoovchoo Ovoo deposit are several times smaller than the copper reserves at Oyu Tolgoi, the potential benefits for Mongolians could be multiplied several times. The government has taken into account the mistakes made in the Oyu Tolgoi project to ensure the benefits of the "Zoovchoo Ovoo" project. Specifically, a risk-free financial model has been chosen, where instead of owning 34% of common shares, they are replaced with 10% preferred shares with a special 5% production sharing payment, and a maximum of 14% increase in mineral resources use payments could provide $593 million in dividends, $2 billion in production share payments, and $717 million each in base and special payments. The World Bank also recommended that when implementing such projects, the Mongolian government should avoid acting as a small shareholder and instead participate through production sharing agreements or special production sharing payments, as these are more beneficial. Compared to the tax and fee revenues collected in the budget, the risks of project cost increases are considered risk-free income. Should the government decide to hold 34% of common shares, 82% of the $1 billion income derived from the $5.6 billion total would risk being consumed by cost increases, with only 18% calculated as risk-free income unaffected by cost increases. Thus, by replacing 10% of state-owned preferred shares with special mineral resource usage payments, the risk-free share of income can increase from 18% to 45%. With 10% state-owned preferred shares, the government of Mongolia would be able to receive dividends ahead of ordinary shareholders and would not be required to invest capital in the shares themselves. The government would also have the special right to purchase up to 10% of the products under the same conditions as investors. Additionally, the focus on amending company articles or licensing transfers would also allow for key strategic decisions. Moreover, the special payment rate is agreed to be up to 5% based on uranium market prices. Based on this, Mongolia's financial calculations, in line with international standards, have ensured annual access to at least 51% of strategic mineral benefits. If Mongolia's direct benefits do not reach 51%, parties must make the necessary adjustments to ensure they address this, including making any necessary reimbursed payments to the government. However, the proposal to stabilize 27 types of taxes submitted by investors was limited to four: corporate income tax, VAT, mineral resource use payments, and customs duties exemptions, while not stabilizing environmental sector taxes. Mineral resource production sharing payments will be accounted for the base without inflation and covered without deducting them from product sales valuation. The investment agreement will be limited to the three special licenses already held by the project, excluding any future permits. The extraction and processing will employ in-situ leaching technology with comprehensive environmental monitoring and ecological research conducted using established baseline indicators throughout all phases of the project. The investment agreement also includes a clause for triennial external audits by IAEA experts. The company implementing the project will establish a tripartite agreement with the governor of Dornogovi province and the district where the project is located to invest $1 million annually in local development. Moreover, 90% of their employees must be Mongolian citizens. During the mining operation phase, at least 60% of subcontractors and 40% of annual purchase volumes must be with entities registered as taxpayers in Mongolia. Finance Minister B. Javkhlan remarked, "Had we formed the investment agreement for the Oyu Tolgoi project based on the model of the 'Zoovchoo Ovoo' project, the benefits would have been five times greater." He emphasized that "We cannot repeat the mistakes made with the Oyu Tolgoi project. Despite owning 34% of it, we have yet to receive any dividends, and it is unclear when or if this will change. However, with the 'Zoovchoo Ovoo' project, we will receive 10% for free without any financial liability, benefiting from a high production sharing fee—over 9%—without any risks." Despite the risk of cost increases, a minimal and secure 51% return is guaranteed, with an expected $5.2 billion safely gathered throughout the project's duration. The scheme effectively avoids the risks and mistakes encountered in previous projects and might serve as a future model.

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Official Government Correspondence Now to Be Conducted in Bilingual Writing

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Ulaanbaatar. In accordance with the Law on the Mongolian Language, official government correspondence will now be conducted in both Cyrillic and traditional Mongolian script starting today. The traditional Mongolian script is a valuable contribution by Mongolians to the intellectual and cultural development of humanity. It is our duty as Mongolians to study, preserve, and pass down our original script. The Law on the Mongolian Language states: "7.2. The program for the national script described in Article 11.1.2 of this law shall be implemented in stages, and based on thorough preparation, official communications by state and local self-governing bodies will be conducted in both Cyrillic and national scripts. 24.2. The provisions of Article 7.2 of this law will be implemented from January 1, 2025." Educational institutions will take the lead in ensuring the implementation of this law. In 2021, a study to assess national script proficiency was conducted for the first time, involving about 150,000 state employees, and results were compiled. In a survey on readiness to conduct official correspondence in both Cyrillic and national scripts, 53.6% of government employees responded "Yes," while the remaining 46.4% responded "No." Compared to the national average and other provinces, 74.7% of government employees in Govi-Altai province stated they were "ready," the highest rate recorded. Additionally, a survey of 200,000 government employees showed that 69,400 employees, or 53.6%, learned the Mongolian script starting from the first grade.

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Mongolian Police: Announcements about Growing Money Online are Scams

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: isee.mn

Recently, there has been an increase in fraud-related crimes being reported on the Telegram platform. Specifically, announcements claiming that it is possible to grow money are actually fraudulent crimes, according to the police department. Additionally, if you become a victim of cybercrime, you should immediately report it to the police department by calling the special numbers “102” or “51-265666,” or by contacting the "Cyber Crime Unit" via their official Facebook page. The Cyber Crime Rapid Response Division of the Criminal Police Department is available 24/7 to receive calls and information from the public.

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Tsagaan Sar Celebration to Begin on March 1, the Second Day of the Lunar New Year

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The Year of the Dragon is coming to an end, while the Year of the Snake is approaching. When asked about the date of the first day of the upcoming Year of the Snake or the Tsagaan Sar celebration, the Mongolian Buddhism Center - Gandantegchinlen Monastery explained that it "starts on March 1, which is the second day of the Lunar New Year." In other words, the first day of the Lunar New Year is skipped, and the 28th of February will be the day before the new moon. "Mongolia is geographically under the jurisdiction of the moon, so it's natural for days to be skipped. In contrast, countries like China and India are under the jurisdiction of the sun, so the concept of days being skipped or added does not exist. This is why they always celebrate the Spring Festival ahead of us." When the moon moves quickly, days can be skipped. For example, the first day's moon might move quickly to the next day, making it the second day's moon. -Is this winter considered an intercalary month year? What is the reason for calculating it as such? "We calculate a day as 24 hours. However, when the moon moves quickly, it covers this distance in 20 hours, leaving 4 hours remaining. These leftover hours accumulate to form an entire month, which is why it's called an intercalary month." Next week, the Mongolian Buddhism Center - Gandantegchinlen Monastery will provide unified information on why the first day is skipped and the details regarding the Tsagaan Sar celebration. During the Tsagaan Sar celebration, which is from March 1-3, all citizens will rest. These days are Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

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Chinese-Mongolian Lunar New Year Expo and Trade Fair is Being Held in Ereen City

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The "Hiromasa Convention" exhibition company, in collaboration with the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI), is organizing the annual "Chinese-Mongolian Lunar New Year Expo" at the Ereen City Exhibition Hall. Over 40 small and medium-sized enterprises from our country are participating in the expo with a variety of products, including leather shoes, bags, wool and cashmere knitwear, sewn clothing, traditional Mongolian garments (deel), jewelry, dried meat, honey, tea, and souvenirs. Additionally, more than 180 companies from countries such as China, Pakistan, Nepal, India, and South Korea are promoting and selling their products at the fair. The exhibition in Ereen City provides a significant opportunity for household and small to medium-sized businesses to open new markets, expand cooperation, and establish partnerships not only in Ereen City but also in other cities of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (IMAR). It is an affordable and accessible way for these businesses to promote and increase the sales of Mongolian products, which are relatively well-received. Source: Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry

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Drivers with Fines Over ₮450,000 Must Do Community Service for 30 Days

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: gogo.mn

As of the start of the year, a regulation requiring drivers with fines exceeding 450,000 MNT who have not paid them to perform community service for 30 days has come into effect. Specifically, amendments were made to the Law on Violations and the Law on Resolving Violations, with implementation beginning on January 1, 2024. To ensure the implementation of the law, a joint regulation was issued by the Prosecutor General of Mongolia and the Minister of Justice and Home Affairs. This regulation outlines how to calculate fines, as well as the conditions for mitigation or aggravation, with the legal adjustments set to take effect on January 1, 2025. According to information from the Traffic Control Agency (TCA), if a fine is less than 450,000 MNT, the vehicle will be impounded until the fine is paid. However, if the fine exceeds 450,000 MNT, the individual will be required to perform community service. The daily schedule consists of 8 hours of work, and one day of work is valued at 15,000 MNT. Notifications about overdue fines will be sent to the mobile number registered with the citizen's record and through the e-Mongolia system. If the fine accumulates to 450,000 MNT, the police department will request a court decision to enforce community service. The court will receive the request, issue a decision, and enforce community service. Source: TCA

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ORHON: Approved the 'Human Development Program'

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The governor's action program with the motto 'Human Development' has been approved. An extraordinary third meeting of the aimag’s Citizens' Representative Khural discussed and approved the 2024-2028 action program of the aimag governor with 79% votes from participating representatives. The governor's action program was developed with the motto 'Human Development' covering 4 main areas and 19 sub-areas. Additionally, during the preparation of the action program, feedback was organized from civil society organizations and citizens, collecting 1357 suggestions from 600 individuals with overlaps and incorporated into the program. The program aims to ensure that every citizen within Orkhon aimag can realistically benefit from the projects and developments being implemented in the aimag and region, make their voices heard, and that their participation contributes to local development and improvement. It also aims to provide government services promptly and efficiently. Moreover, major projects and programs that will have a significant impact not only on the aimag but also on the country’s social and economic sectors will be implemented. The unemployment rate is targeted to be reduced to 7.4%, as the unemployment rate in the aimag is currently at 7.9% in 2024. The goal has been set to reduce this to 7.4%. A new 'Employment Mediator Center' will be established, creating no less than 400 new jobs and aiming to mediate employment for no less than 2500 people. Various activities supporting quality education are planned to be implemented to provide equitable and quality education such as 'Best School, Kindergarten - Nearby School, Kindergarten', and 'Single-shift, Small Class' activities. A center for cancer diagnosis, treatment, control, and prevention will be established, expanding specialized professional services based on the Regional Diagnosis and Treatment Center, forming a 'Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment, Control, Prevention Center', while bringing into use the buildings for the public health center and primary health care units to increase accessibility of community health and primary care services. The program also includes improving the social guarantees of health workers, training human resources domestically and abroad, and implementing activities for sharing experiences.

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Environment

34 Soums in 11 Provinces Facing White Zud Conditions Nationwide

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: news.mn

According to the information from the meteorological agency, snow coverage has been established over approximately 70% of Mongolia's territories. Specifically, snow is 23 cm deep in the Gurvanbulag soum of Bayankhongor province, 15 cm in Bayankhairkhan soum of Zavkhan province, and Ulaangom, Khyargas, and Malchin soums of Uvs province, while 14 cm has been recorded in Jargalant soum of Bayankhongor province and Khuder soum of Selenge province. In other areas, the snow depth ranges from 0.0 to 13.0 cm. Moreover, a 'white zud' condition is reported in Sagsai soum of Bayan-Olgii province and Bayanbulag soum of Bayankhongor province. Similarly, a white zud level has been established in thirty-four soums across eleven provinces, including Malchin, Tes, Sagil, Ulaangom, Davst, Zavkhan, Turgen, Zuungobi, Naranbulag of Uvs province; Altai, Darvi, Uench, Baytag, Chandmani, Durgen of Khovd province; and Tsagaanchuluut, Otgon, Zavkhanmandal, Santmargaz of Zavkhan province; and Khukhmorit of Govi-Altai province. Additionally, Bombogor, Bayangovi, Galuut, Bydrag, and Zag of Bayankhongor province; Baruunbayan-Ulaan of Uvurkhangai province; Sukhbaatar of Selenge province; Ugtaaltsaidaam of Tuv province; Bayan-Adraga of Khentii province; and Khulunbuir and Khalf Gol soums of Dornod province are included in the white zud category. Nationwide, 17,913 households and more than 7 million heads of livestock are reported to be on migration and nomadic move.

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Raw coal and used motor oil burning continue to pollute the air

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: gogo.mn

Violations of burning raw coal and used motor oil continue to pollute the air and have been uncovered. In particular, checks have been conducted with the aim of stopping activities that violate the right of citizens to live in a healthy and safe environment by polluting the air and surroundings in areas designated for air quality improvement. The police, in cooperation with state and non-governmental organizations, are conducting monitoring and inspections to determine if raw coal is being used illegally, or if other prohibited combustible materials like car tires and plastics are being burned, along with providing preventive advice and information. As part of these inspections, involving a total of over 10,600 law enforcement officers and employees, including 6,600 from the police and internal military units, and 4,000 from other government organizations (NAOBTG, DZDGTG, NOBG, SSHTKH), 11 violations have been identified in 105 subdistricts containing ger areas, covering 75,044 households and 4,144 businesses. For instance, "DFI" LLC located in the 32nd subdistrict of Songinokhairkhan District stored and burned 30-40 tons of raw coal illegally, and "BT" LLC in the same subdistrict stored and burned around 10 tons of raw coal illegally. An auto repair shop in the 9th street of Bayantsagaan, 8th subdistrict of Songinokhairkhan District, burned restricted fuel materials (oil, grease), and placed oil tanks and ventilators in a low-pressure furnace. In the 7th subdistrict of Chingeltei District, a resident named D.B living in a public apartment on Revolutionary 4th Street was caught burning used motor oil, and this violation has been forwarded to the city’s Air and Environment Pollution Control Agency for investigation.

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50 Soums in 11 Provinces Experience White Zud

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: ikon.mn

According to the snow measurement data conducted by the Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology, and Environment every ten days, more than 60% of the entire country is covered with snow. In the Altai, Khangai, Khentii, and Khuvsgul mountainous regions, Tamsag valley, the snow depth ranges from 11-24 cm, while some soums in the Gobi desert and steppe areas have snow depths of 1-10 cm. In assessing the situation of zud, white zud is observed in Bayan-Olgii's Sagsai, Uvs's Turgen, Ulaangom, Khayrgas, Tes, Zavkhan's Tsagaantshuluut, Otgon, Bayankhongor's Bayanbulag, Bombogor, Galuut soums. Additionally, white zud conditions are reported in 50 soums across 11 provinces, including Altai, Bayannuur in Bayan-Olgii, Khovd, Malchin, Davst, Sagil, Naranbulag, Zuungovi, Baruu stands for Uvs, Bulgan, Altai, Darvi, Uyench, Durgun of Khovd, and Derveljin, Urgamal, Zavkhanmandal, Santmargats, Tes, Songino, Tsetserleg, Erdene khairkhan, Bayankhairkhan, Tudevtei, Nomrog, Shiluustei of Zavkhan, Khukhmorit, Sharga of Govi-Altai, Khureemara, Zag, Jargalant in Bayankhongor, Tsetserleg, Khatgal of Khuvsgul, Baruunbayan-Ulaan of Uvurkhangai, Khuder, Yeroo of Selenge, Khongor, Shar in Darkhan-Uul, and Khangol of Dornod. White Zud During the autumn, winter, and spring seasons, heavy snowfall may lead to pastures being covered with snow, making it impossible for livestock to find and graze on grass. In a year with typical summer conditions, when the average snow thickness covers the main pasture, it becomes difficult for livestock to graze when snow depth is 2-15 cm in the Khangai region, 8-10 cm in the steppe region, and 5-6 cm in the Gobi region. Warning Media organizations (television, radio, social and web pages) must credit the source (ikon.mn) fully or partially when using this information.

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Innovation

Introducing: Government Scholarships Currently Open for Application

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: ikon.mn

As of today, the registration for scholarship programs to study in the Czech Republic, Japan, and the Russian Federation is open. Czech Republic 1. Summer School Scholarship Program on Slavistics The Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports supports students, graduates, teachers, and staff interested in Czech language and culture through a Summer School Scholarship Program on Slavistics. The summer course takes place annually in July, August, and September and lasts 3-4 weeks depending on the course content. The scholarship includes: - Tuition fees - Accommodation (including breakfast, lunch, and dinner) - Free access to cultural activities and excursions organized within the summer school - Some public transport expenses Registration for this scholarship program is conducted online until the 31st of this month. For detailed information, click here. 2. Short-Term Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral Study Scholarships Within the framework of the agreement between the governments of Mongolia and the Czech Republic on cooperation in the fields of education, science, and youth, registration for scholarships to study short-term courses (2-9 months) at Czech universities is being conducted online until the 31st of this month. Eligibility requirements: - Bachelor's: A citizen studying in the 1st or 2nd year at an accredited Mongolian university with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. - Master's: Holder of a bachelor’s degree, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and at least 2 years of work experience, aged up to 35. - Doctorate: Holder of a master’s degree, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and at least 2 years of work experience, aged up to 45. What is included in the Czech Government Scholarship: - Tuition fees - Living expenses/accommodation; students are responsible for their own insurance For detailed information, click here. Japan A scholarship from Fukuoka Women's University in Japan has been announced. The purpose of this scholarship is to support students from Asian countries who are studying Japanese at universities or Japanese schools and wish to study and work in the field of food technology and cooking in Japan or their home country after graduation. Eligibility requirements: - Adherence to the school's rules and regulations during the study period, obtaining the necessary credits within the specified time frame, and graduating - After graduation, work for 5 years at a hospital or organization of the Kookokai Group designated by the school - In case of non-compliance with the above requirements, the scholarship or a portion of it must be repaid. Registration for this scholarship program continues until the 13th of this month. For detailed information, click here. Russian Federation The registration of citizens wishing to study in the Russian Federation under the Government of Russia's scholarship program for the 2025-2026 academic year continues until the 14th of this month. Scholarship applicants are required to prepare the following documents: - Passport (must be valid after March 1, 2027) - Certificate of complete secondary education, with an attachment (graduating students must provide a transcript approved by their school principal) For detailed information, click here. Source: Ministry of Education Note: Media organizations (TV, Radio, and Social and Web pages) must cite the source (ikon.mn) when using our information in any form, either in full or in part.

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Health

TODAY: Meeting of the Working Group to Refine the Food and Drug Safety System

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Overview of events happening on Thursday, January 2: - The meeting of the working group, formed under Order No. 101 of 2024 by the Chairperson of the Parliament, responsible for studying and making proposals and conclusions on refining the control and regulatory system of food and drug safety, and, if necessary, drafting relevant laws, will be held at the State Palace. - High school students will attend classes online until January 3. - The "Best Work of the Year - 2024" exhibition will be displayed at the "Art Gallery" of the Mongolian Union of Artists until January 3. - The joint Lunar New Year exhibition and trade show between Mongolia and China will continue in Erlian until January 5. - From January 15, official registration for state license plates will begin. During the period until January 14, citizens, business entities, and organizations can familiarize themselves with the system and check and verify their information. - The special exhibition "Marco Polo, Kublai Khan, and the Mongols," dedicated to the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo, will be displayed in the exhibition hall on the 9th floor of the Chinggis Khan National Museum until January 15. The 2025 January performance program of the National Academic Drama Theatre.

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HOVD: 82.2% of those with influenza are children under the age of 14

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: montsame.mn

In Khovd province, there is a tendency for an increase in cases of influenza and illnesses similar to influenza. Last week, 13.6% of individuals who visited the general hospital, or 1,306 people, were diagnosed with influenza and similar illnesses. This represents an increase of 1.2% compared to the same period last year, and a 6.6% increase compared to the previous week. 82.2% of those affected by influenza are children under the age of 14. The spread of the disease has reached the level of an "outbreak across the province," so doctors recommend improving supervision over young children, consuming nutritious food with high vitamin content, and taking preventive measures against influenza.

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Electronic Cigarettes Banned in Tuv Province

Published: 2025-01-02 | Translated from: news.mn

The governor's office of Tuv Province has announced a ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes across the province starting from January 1, 2025. Specifically, they have reached an agreement with grocery stores, supermarkets, and chain stores operating in all 27 soums of Tuv Province to halt the sale of electronic cigarettes and their accessories as of today. According to a study, approximately 1,120 students regularly use electronic cigarettes at the 31 general education schools operating in the province, with reports indicating that 20 of these students have been hospitalized for lung disease.

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Today's Stories

Politics

Economy

Diplomacy

Infrastructure

Society

Environment

Innovation

Health

Politics

Revamping Tax and Social Insurance Laws

Former Chief of Staff P. Tsagaan Detained in Singapore

An Extraordinary Meeting of the Government is Underway

Change Comes When Corruption is Stopped, Detected, and Held Accountable

Decisions from the Government Meeting

Military Registration Starts on the 6th of This Month

The Court for Simplified Criminal and Civil Proceedings Begins Operations

The Government's Regular Meeting is Scheduled for 11:00 Today

Parliament Expanded to 126 Members Celebrated, Leaders Discuss Unity and Future Work with Citizens

Economy

Salaries, Pensions, and Taxes to Increase in Line with Inflation in the New Year

South Gobi: Loans of 1.4 billion tugriks granted to support SMEs

Prices of Base Metals Rise in China in Anticipation of Manufacturing Expansion in 2025

Diplomacy

Visa-Free Travel Period Extended for South Korean Citizens

Beginning Dual Use of Mongolian Script in State Affairs

Infrastructure

Within the First 100 Days of 2025, Study and Present the Issue of Constructing a New 'Thermal Power Plant V'

The government's meeting will discuss the progress of the Tuul highway project

The progress of land clearance for the project to build 20,000 housing units in Ulaanbaatar is at 60%

Enterprises to switch to using coke coal and transition to gas fuel in stages

Fee for road usage increases five times, vehicle tax triples

Construction of the Tuul Speed Highway to Begin Next March

Power Outages in Nine Areas Across Two Districts Until 16:30

EHC: Peak Power Load Increased by 160 MW

Postponement of Bus Fare Increase to ₮1,000

Increasing Road Usage Fees to Improve Infrastructure

A New Regulation to Address Traffic Violations Involving Fines Over and Under 450,000 MNT is Being Implemented

Power Load Increases by 160 MW

Society

The Capital City Declares 2025 as the “Year of Development”

The 'Zoovchoo Ovoo' Project to Unbind Mongolia

Official Government Correspondence Now to Be Conducted in Bilingual Writing

Mongolian Police: Announcements about Growing Money Online are Scams

Tsagaan Sar Celebration to Begin on March 1, the Second Day of the Lunar New Year

Chinese-Mongolian Lunar New Year Expo and Trade Fair is Being Held in Ereen City

Drivers with Fines Over ₮450,000 Must Do Community Service for 30 Days

ORHON: Approved the 'Human Development Program'

Environment

34 Soums in 11 Provinces Facing White Zud Conditions Nationwide

Raw coal and used motor oil burning continue to pollute the air

50 Soums in 11 Provinces Experience White Zud

Innovation

Introducing: Government Scholarships Currently Open for Application

Health

TODAY: Meeting of the Working Group to Refine the Food and Drug Safety System

HOVD: 82.2% of those with influenza are children under the age of 14

Electronic Cigarettes Banned in Tuv Province

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