Mongolia News Summary for July 18, 2024

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

Prime Minister Gives Direction at First Meeting of Joint Government

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

The first meeting of the Joint Government is being held today (07/17/2024). At the meeting, Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene introduced the government's activities and the rules and regulations of government meetings.

Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene also gave instructions and directions to the ministers of the joint government.

Translated from: https://news.mn/r/2739273/

All Deputy Ministers Have Been Dismissed

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

The new government formed after the 2024 parliamentary elections in Mongolia has established its structure and composition with 22 ministers and 16 ministries.

Today, at the Cabinet meeting, 16 deputy ministers of the ministries were dismissed. Some of the deputy ministers have already been elected as members of parliament.

B. Uyanga, Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources S. Zulpkhar, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection M. Gankhüleg, Deputy Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry

These three have resigned from their deputy minister positions as they have become members of parliament.

The following 13 deputy ministers have been relieved of their duties:

List of dismissed deputy ministers:

J. Erkhembayar, Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Communications M. Ganbaatar, Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change E. Zolboo, Deputy Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing B. Bayarmagnai, Deputy Minister of Defense G. Ganbayar, Deputy Minister of Education G. Amartuvshin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs L. Khaltar, Deputy Minister of Road and Transport S. Mungunchiweg, Deputy Minister of Finance B. Solongoo, Deputy Minister of Justice, Law and Internal Affairs S. Enkhbold, Deputy Minister of Health M. Bayarmagnai, Deputy Minister of Energy P. Battur, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth G. Tuvdendorj, Deputy Minister of Economy and Development

Translated from: https://itoim.mn/a/2024/07/17/government/kyj

Coalition Parties to Sign Agreement and Hold Ministers Accountable for Breaches

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

The three parties with seats in the State Great Khural (Parliament) have decided to form a coalition government and sign a cooperation agreement. The draft of the agreement is being prepared and the initial draft will be presented at next week's Cabinet meeting.

The agreement will outline the principles the parties will follow in their collaboration and prioritize the projects and programs they will implement together. The agreement will also be submitted to the Parliament to be approved as a resolution.

N. Uchral, the head of the Cabinet Secretariat, said, "By making the coalition government agreement a parliamentary resolution, if the agreement is violated or not fulfilled, the political parties will take measures through their factions. The top organizations of the parties will be responsible for holding accountable those ministers who have not worked according to the cabinet principle."

Translated from: https://itoim.mn/a/2024/07/17/government/qto

Total Foreign Trade Turnover Reaches $13.3 Billion

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

Mongolia has conducted trade with a total of 148 countries in the first half of 2024, with the total foreign trade turnover reaching $13.3 billion. Of this, exports amounted to $7.9 billion and imports reached $5.4 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $2.5 billion.

Mongolia has conducted trade with a total of 148 countries in the first half of 2024, with the total foreign trade turnover reaching $13.3 billion. Of this, exports amounted to $7.9 billion and imports reached $5.4 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $2.5 billion.

Translated from: https://gogo.mn/r/veq20

Price of Consumer Goods Increased by 5.1% Compared to the Same Period Last Year

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

The price of consumer goods and services nationwide in June 2024 increased by 5.1% compared to the same period last year, by 4.3% compared to the end of the previous year, and by 0.3% compared to the previous month.

For more details of the report, please click HERE.

Source: National Statistics Office

Translated from: https://gogo.mn/r/w1e9m

Movement of Citizens to be Halted from August 12

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

The General Authority for State Registration (GASR) has announced that the movement of citizens will be halted starting from August 12 in connection with the upcoming elections for Citizens' Representative Khurals of aimags, the capital city, soums, and districts.

According to Article 24.1 of the Law on Local Elections, "The movement of citizens from one administrative unit to another shall be suspended 60 days prior to the voting day and resumed on the day following the voting day." In compliance with this provision, the movement of citizens will be suspended starting from August 12.

The local elections are for citizens to elect their representatives for the soum, district, aimag, and capital city where they reside.

Translated from: https://itoim.mn/a/2024/07/17/society/ufp

Migration Movement Will Be Stopped

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

In connection with the upcoming local elections in October for Citizens' Representative Khurals of aimags, the capital city, soums, and districts, the General Authority for State Registration has announced that the migration movement of citizens will be stopped starting from August 12.

According to Article 24.1 of the Law on Local Elections, "The movement of citizens from one administrative unit to another shall be stopped 60 days before the voting day and resumed on the day after the voting day." This measure will be taken in accordance with this provision.

Local elections are where every citizen elects representatives for their soum, district, aimag, and capital city. In other words, it can be understood as an important election that will determine whether the soum, district, aimag, and capital city will develop in the next four years. It's essentially choosing representatives who should serve as "servants" of the citizens, making decisions on where public roads should be built in your khoroo, where schools and kindergartens need to be built.

Therefore, every voter should approach this election responsibly. Nationwide, 2.2 million voters will cast their votes.

Translated from: https://news.mn/r/2739234/

Prime Minister Instructs Not to Dismiss Civil Servants or Increase Staff Numbers

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

The regular meeting of the Government of Mongolia was held on July 17, 2024, where the following issues were discussed and decided.

The regular government meeting was held today. The joint government agreement, action program, and the draft amendment to the state budget will be submitted to the Parliament.

During this time, Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene instructed the ministers to "strictly adhere to the Civil Service Law, not make decisions to dismiss or fire permanent civil servants, and not increase the number of staff positions."

He also noted that they are developing a plan for projects and programs to be initiated in the first 100 days of the Government, as well as an action plan for implementation.

Translated from: https://gogo.mn/r/no102

Prime Minister instructs to pay attention to not dismissing civil servants

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

The Prime Minister instructed to pay attention to not dismissing permanent civil servants and not increasing staff numbers.

At the regular meeting of the Government of Mongolia held on July 17, 2024, the following issues were discussed and resolved. N. Uchral, Minister of Mongolia and Head of the Government Office, briefed on the issues discussed at the meeting. He said:

"The Government's action plan, joint government agreement and the draft state budget amendment will be submitted to the Parliament. A working group consisting of representatives of the three political parties forming the joint government is working.

During the meeting, Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene instructed the ministers to strictly adhere to the Civil Service Law and pay attention to not making decisions to dismiss or fire permanent civil servants and not increase staff numbers," he said.

He also noted that they are developing a plan of projects, programs and work to be implemented in the first 100 days of the Government.

S. Amarsaikhan, Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia and Chairman of the State Emergency Commission, presented to the Cabinet meeting on winter preparations in the livestock, energy and transportation sectors. In connection with the presentation, the Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry J. Enkhbayar was instructed to develop and discuss a draft government resolution on developing a detailed plan for winter and spring preparations in the agricultural sector for 2024-2025, organizing nomadic movements optimally, and giving directions to government members, agency heads, and governors of aimags and soums on this issue. The Minister of Energy B. Choijilsuren was instructed to ensure the performance of winter preparation work in the energy sector for 2024-2025 and to resolve urgent issues by submitting them to the Cabinet meeting. The Minister of Road and Transport B. Delgersaikhan was instructed to develop and approve a plan for winter preparations in the road and transport sector and ensure its implementation.

Minister of Education P. Naranbaatar presented to the Cabinet meeting about the project to establish an International School of Engineering under the Mongolian University of Science and Technology. Minister of Education P. Naranbaatar and Minister of Foreign Affairs B. Battsetseg were instructed to start the project and report on its implementation to the Government.

Mongolia's long-term development policy document "Vision 2050" sets the goal of increasing foreign economic relations by developing an economic corridor through Mongolia, Russia and China, concluding a free trade agreement and joining regional economic and trade integration. It is planned to establish a special international engineering school to train human resources to serve the industry of this economic corridor and develop new knowledge and new technologies to support sustainable development in the region.

The members of the Government were instructed to carefully prepare issues to be discussed at the Cabinet meeting in accordance with legislation, based on calculations and research, with good justification, meeting the relevant requirements, obtaining opinions in accordance with the Cabinet meeting regulations, and submitting them to the Government Office for review before including them in the agenda for discussion.

Translated from: https://news.mn/r/2739334/

Prime Minister Instructs to Maintain Stability of Civil Servants

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

N. UCHRAL, Chief of the Government Office:

We will sign a joint government agreement and submit the government's action program based on the agreement to the Parliament. We believe that having the joint government agreement approved by Parliament and issuing a resolution will set a good precedent for Mongolia. So we are working on submitting a budget amendment to Parliament on what structure and composition to work with in implementing the government's activities and what budget adjustments are needed to implement these programs.

The Prime Minister instructed the relevant ministers to strictly adhere to the Civil Service Law, pay more attention to ensuring stable working conditions for civil servants without dismissing or transferring them.

Although the structure and names of ministries have changed, civil servants who have sworn an oath to the state have the opportunity to continue their work stably. Therefore, the Prime Minister instructed that they should work without any politicization. We are also working on a plan of actions to be implemented in the first 100 days of the government. So in line with the political parties' platforms to increase state productivity, create a compact, capable, and smart state, base any decisions on big data, resolve issues through human-independent solutions, have the state serve its citizens, and create a paperless, transparent and open state, we will accelerate activities like urban planning and energy liberalization, and the ministries' structures will be submitted next week.

At today's meeting, we decided to create a unified web portal for central government agencies and other state-owned companies, so that the state communicates with its citizens through a single channel. This unified portal will be created within the first 100 days of the government's work.

Translated from: https://news.mn/r/2739287/

Prime Minister Orders No Rotation or Increase in Civil Service Positions

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

The coalition government held its first meeting, and the Prime Minister gave directions to the sector ministers.

Specifically, since the government was formed by a coalition of three parties, the Prime Minister instructed the sector ministers to ensure stable working conditions in the civil service without rotating positions. Although the structure and composition of the government have changed, the number of ministries has not increased. Therefore, the Prime Minister directed ministries not to increase the number of positions.

N. Uchral, the Head of the Cabinet Secretariat, said, "In the coming week, we will review the initial draft of the government's action program and the 100-day action plan, which focus more on implementation without increasing the number of positions in government ministries."

Translated from: https://itoim.mn/a/2024/07/17/government/xat

Please Check if You Are Registered in the Voters List for the Regular Election of Citizens' Representatives Khural

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

The voter list for the 2024 regular election of Citizens' Representatives Khural of aimags, the capital city, soums, and districts has been posted on the website https://election.burtgel.gov.mn/ since July 13.

The General Authority for State Registration compiles and produces the information of eligible voters in the voter list, including the father's/mother's name, own name, age, gender, civil registration number, and permanent residence address registration information, aggregated by aimag, soum, bag, capital city, district, khoroo, and each election precinct.

According to the Law on Elections of Citizens' Representatives Khural of Aimags, the Capital City, Soums and Districts, this list should be posted on their website starting at least 90 days before the voting day until the end of the local Khural election.

Voters, please check if you are registered in the voter list through the website https://election.burtgel.gov.mn/.

Translated from: https://gogo.mn/r/mwgje

Paris 2024 Olympic Games to Begin Next Week

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

The opening ceremony of the 33rd Summer Olympic Games "Paris 2024" will be held on Friday, July 26th. (Saturday, July 27, 2024, Ulaanbaatar time) However, competitions in archery, football, rugby, and other events will begin on the 24th and 25th, before the official ceremony.

Mongolia has previously achieved success at the Summer Olympics with 30 medals and 4 medals from the Paralympics.

For the 33rd Summer Olympics "Paris 2024", Mongolian athletes will participate in 9 events with 34 spots, including archery, swimming, judo, boxing, freestyle wrestling, cycling, shooting, athletics, and weightlifting. For the Paralympics, they have secured 10 spots in 6 events, including para powerlifting, para archery, para taekwondo, para swimming, para judo, and para athletics, totaling 44 spots.

For a detailed schedule of the Olympic competitions, please click HERE.

Translated from: https://gogo.mn/r/57yg9

B.Choijilsuren Tasked with Resolving Urgent Energy Issues

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

The regular meeting of the Government was held today, and ministers were instructed to prepare for winter in the livestock, energy, and transportation sectors.

Specifically:

• The Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry J.Enkhbayar was instructed to develop and discuss a draft government resolution on developing a detailed plan for winter and spring preparations in the agricultural sector for 2024-2025, organizing nomadic movements optimally, and providing direction to government members, agency heads, and provincial and district governors on this issue.
• The Minister of Energy B.Choijilsuren was tasked with ensuring the implementation of winter preparation work in the energy sector for 2024-2025 and resolving urgent issues by discussing them at Government meetings as they arise.
• The Minister of Road and Transport B.Delgersaikhan was instructed to develop and approve a plan for winter preparations in the road and transport sector and ensure its implementation.

B.Choijilsuren, who was reappointed as Minister of Energy, had stated in April this year, "We managed to get through this winter by cutting off electricity to citizens."

Translated from: https://gogo.mn/r/qygxy

N.Uchral: Although the structure and composition of the Government has increased, the number of ministerial positions will not be increased

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

N.Uchral, Head of the Cabinet Secretariat, is providing information about the decisions made at the Government meeting.

The Prime Minister has given several directives to government members regarding issues of the coalition government.

Head of the Cabinet Secretariat N.Uchral stated, "We will create a unified portal for government organizations. This will allow citizens to monitor the implementation of ministerial policies.

We have also decided to integrate the official correspondence system to create e-governance and reduce bureaucracy. Following international standards, the Government's structure and sectors will work more closely and quickly with citizens.

Although the structure and composition of the Government has increased, we are adhering to the principle of not increasing the number of positions. Under the new law, the number of ministries and ministers has not increased, only the number of deputy prime ministers has increased. Therefore, we will not increase the number of ministerial positions.

Also, at today's meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister gave information about winter preparedness," he said.

Translated from: https://gogo.mn/r/yd390

N.Uchral: The Coalition Government Agreement, Action Plan, and Budget Amendment Will Be Submitted

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

The joint government held its first meeting, and N.Uchral, Head of the Cabinet Secretariat, provided information about the issues discussed at the meeting.

At today's government meeting, a working group was established to draft the coalition government agreement and the government action program. The working group will develop the coalition government agreement, action program, and the 2024 budget amendment within one month and submit them to the State Great Khural (Parliament).

N.Uchral, Head of the Cabinet Secretariat, stated: The coalition government will focus on moving from policy to implementation. It will work towards bringing economic growth to every household and focus on implementation. The government will also work to implement its projects and programs quickly. The Prime Minister expressed that the parties will focus on solving pressing issues for citizens rather than competing with each other.

A working group has been established to develop the government's action program. Representatives from the three political parties forming the government are included in the working group. The government will establish an agreement on how it will work. This agreement is being studied based on the experience of Germany.

First, it will define the principles to be followed when working together. Second, it will prioritize the projects and programs to be implemented together.

They have worked on aligning the goals and provisions included in the election platforms of the parties forming the government. Although the names of the programs are different, since the pressing issues are the same, it is estimated that 80 percent of the election platforms can be aligned.

The coalition government will conclude an agreement and submit a government action program based on this to the State Great Khural. It will also submit a budget amendment to the State Great Khural.

The Prime Minister also instructed the ministers not to make changes in the civil service and to maintain stability. Although the names of the ministries have changed, career civil servants have the opportunity to work stably.

Translated from: https://itoim.mn/a/2024/07/17/government/zii

592,100 Hectares Planted Nationwide

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

As of July 1, 2024, a total of 592,100 hectares have been planted nationwide, including 348,100 hectares of grain crops, 128,800 hectares of industrial crops, 75,300 hectares of fodder crops, 18,400 hectares of potatoes, and 16,500 hectares of vegetables.

The total planted area has decreased by 8,500 hectares (1.4%) compared to the same period last year.

By plant type, grain crops decreased by 9,500 hectares (2.7%), fodder crops by 5,000 hectares (6.2%), and industrial crops by 2,400 hectares (1.9%), while vegetables increased by 3,200 hectares (24.3%) and potatoes by 200 hectares (1.4%).

Translated from: https://news.mn/r/2739344/

Children are getting bitten by snakes, mistaking them for ropes and cords

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

In recent years, snakes have been entering populated areas through flood waters and vehicles. This year, seven calls have been recorded reporting snakes in populated areas.

Specifically, on July 6, 2024, there was a call reporting a snake near Dolgoon Lake in Sukhbaatar district, and the Ulaanbaatar Nature Conservation Department responded promptly.

Doctors are reporting that calls about pit vipers entering populated areas and children being bitten are being recorded at the National Center for Trauma and Orthopedics. These incidents mostly occur in children's playgrounds, green areas, and household yards.

Children often mistake snakes for ropes or cords and get bitten when they try to pick them up.

Therefore, doctors advise parents to warn their children. They also noted that two types of snakes, pit vipers and hot spring snakes, are entering the Ulaanbaatar area. Pit vipers are venomous and can enter through flood waters during heavy rains or through vehicles of people who have gone on trips.

If bitten by a snake, it is necessary to remove any jewelry, watches, or shoes before swelling begins. Doctors warn against cutting or sucking the wound, applying ice, or taking pain medication.

If you see a snake in a populated area, immediately report it to the Ulaanbaatar Emergency Management Center at 11-310005 or the Ulaanbaatar Nature Conservation Department at 72720303. Keep an eye on the snake's location until professionals arrive. If bitten, seek medical attention immediately. The National Center for Trauma and Orthopedics also advises caution when going on trips and wearing closed, high-top shoes when walking through tall grass.

Translated from: https://news.mn/r/2739283/

International School of Engineering to be Established Under MUST

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

Minister of Education P. Naranbayar presented a project to establish an International School of Engineering under the Mongolian University of Science and Technology (MUST) at a Cabinet meeting.

The Minister of Education P. Naranbayar and the Minister of Foreign Affairs B. Battsetseg were instructed to initiate the project and report on its implementation to the Cabinet.

In the "Vision-2025" long-term development policy document of Mongolia, the goal is set to develop an economic corridor connecting Mongolia, Russia, and China, to increase foreign economic relations by establishing a free trade agreement and joining regional economic and trade integration. It is planned to establish a specialized international school of engineering to train human resources for the industry of this economic corridor, to support sustainable development in the region, and to develop new knowledge and new technologies.

Translated from: https://itoim.mn/a/2024/07/17/society/eel

Kindergarten Registration Will Be Organized Online

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

Kindergarten registration requests will be accepted from August 1st through the emongolia and esis education sector information systems. Last year, the registration was organized in two stages. In doing so, requests were submitted online and to the nearest state-owned kindergarten.

Parents can get information about Ulaanbaatar's school districts from the Capital City Education Department's website, Facebook page, and by phone.

In Mongolia, kindergarten enrollment was 76% in 2021-2022. However, in the 2022-2023 school year, it increased to 90.2%, showing a positive result with an increase of about 20%. During this period, 197 new schools and 285 kindergartens were put into operation.

In the coming years, they are working to build and put into operation 11 new kindergartens, seven schools, and nine school-kindergarten complexes.

Translated from: https://news.mn/r/2739253/

CNN: Mongolian Athletes' Olympic Uniforms Conquering the Internet

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

The uniforms designed for Mongolian athletes to wear at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, created by the "Michel&Amazonka" brand, have been introduced to the public.

The design, style, and intricate details of these uniforms are now capturing attention in the digital space, particularly from international audiences.

Notably, CNN has highlighted the Mongolian athletes' Olympic ceremony uniforms with the headline "Conquering the Internet".

The uniforms are described as reflecting Mongolian traditions and culture, combining the colors of the Mongolian flag - blue, red, and white - and incorporating the "Soyombo" symbol.

The athletes' uniforms have been drawing significant attention on social media, especially on TikTok, from sports and fashion enthusiasts. Fashion enthusiast Ryan Ip's video featuring the Mongolian athletes' Olympic uniforms, captioned "Mongolians have won even before the Olympics begin," has garnered over two million views.

In another video with nearly 300,000 views, Australian user B. Jamison commented, "The details are truly beautiful... it seems everything has been very well thought out and designed."

The "Michel&Amazonka" brand also created the uniforms for the athletes' ceremonies at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics and the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

Mongolian national teams have been participating in the Olympics since 1964, with their first gold medals won in judo and boxing at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

In this year's Olympics, starting on the 26th of this month, over 30 athletes from Mongolia will be competing in nine sports.

Translated from: https://gogo.mn/r/69ygy

234 People Traveled on the First Ulaanbaatar-Prague Flight

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

The ceremony to receive the first direct flight on the Ulaanbaatar-Prague-Ulaanbaatar route was held on July 10 at Václav Havel International Airport in Prague, Czech Republic.

In addition to Mongolian citizens residing in the Czech Republic, passengers traveling via Austria, Great Britain, and France were on the first flight. 81 passengers traveled on the first direct flight from Ulaanbaatar to Prague. Meanwhile, 153 passengers traveled on the Prague-Ulaanbaatar route.

Eznis Airways is operating direct flights within the framework of the Air Transport Agreement between the Governments of Mongolia and the Czech Republic.

Translated from: https://www.montsame.mn/mn/read/347926

Over 2,000 tourists have booked to watch the Danshig Festival

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

According to current information, more than 2,000 tourists have booked to watch this festival.

Events to be held during the festival:

• Fast horse racing (Khyazaalan, Great age)
• Tsam dance ceremony
• Mandala offering ceremony
• Art performance
• Horseback performance
• Baling and butter sculpture competition
• Competition of lead chanters and main lamas
• Sutra debate competition
• Wrestling tournament (National wrestling, Buryat, Inner Mongolia)
• National costume show
• National archery competition
• Ankle bone shooting competition
• Horseback archery competition
• Mounted warrior performance
• Spine hitting competition

During the Tsam, over 120 dancers dressed as the Vajrapani deity, the White Old Man, and the guardian deities of the four mountains surrounding the capital city - garuda, boar, dog, and blue old man - as well as other characters, will adorn themselves with elaborate costumes, intricate ornaments, and accessories. Through hand, foot and body movements, they express inner meditation and skillfully demonstrate movements depicting the suppression and destruction of harmful enemies and demons.

This festival is traditionally organized jointly by the Citizens' Representative Khural, the Governor's Office of the Capital City, and the Gandantegchinlen Monastery, which is the center of Mongolian Buddhism.

Translated from: https://news.mn/r/2739541/

TDB Participated in the World Economic Forum

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

Trade and Development Bank (TDB) representatives Randolph Koppa, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and N. Sergelen, Deputy CEO, attended the Summer Davos Forum held from June 24-27. This year's Summer Davos was attended by over 1,600 leaders from more than 80 countries, discussing six main topics. These topics included the New World Economy, China and Other Countries, Businesses in the AI Era, New Industrial Technologies, Investing in People, and Connecting Climate, Nature, and Energy.

TDB's Deputy CEO N. Sergelen participated in a panel discussion on Digitalization and Landlocked Countries. He shared insights on how digitalization is progressing in Mongolia, how digital transformation is supporting trade and the economy of landlocked countries, and the importance of regional coordination in this area.

As a globally recognized leading international bank in Mongolia, TDB has been collaborating with the World Economic Forum since 2010.

In 2015, TDB was the first Mongolian company to be selected as a "Global Growth Company" by the World Economic Forum. This award is given to companies showing rapid growth and potential to compete on the international stage in various sectors such as banking, finance, energy, and air transport. TDB's receipt of this prestigious award demonstrated that it is a rapidly developing organization making valuable contributions to Mongolia's development.

Furthermore, during last year's forum, TDB became the first Mongolian company to sign an official partnership agreement with the World Economic Forum. The agreement was signed by TDB's CEO O. Orkhon and Dr. Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum.

By becoming a partner of the World Economic Forum, TDB is taking a concrete step in introducing Mongolia to global investors and business people.

Translated from: https://news.mn/r/2739368/

D. Sumiyaabazar to Lead Summer Olympics Team, Ch. Nomin to Lead Winter Olympics Team

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

D. Sumiyaabazar, former Mayor of Ulaanbaatar city, will lead the Mongolian team participating in the "Paris 2024" Summer Olympics. The team leader was selected two years ago based on the recommendations of the members of the Executive Council of the Mongolian National Olympic Committee.

The opening ceremony of the Olympics will take place on July 26, with 33 athletes representing Mongolia competing in judo, freestyle wrestling, weightlifting, shooting, boxing, cycling, archery, athletics, and swimming.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament and Minister of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth, Ch. Nomin, will lead the Mongolian team for the "Milan Cortina 2026" XXV Winter Olympic Games. This decision was made at yesterday's meeting of the Executive Council of the Mongolian National Olympic Committee.

Translated from: https://news.mn/r/2739351/

Case of "Mongolian Railway" JSC's Department Head Transferred to Court

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

The Anti-Corruption Agency had submitted the case of D. Banzragch, Head of the Economy and Investment Department of the state-owned "Mongolian Railway" JSC, to the prosecutor's office in January 2024 with a recommendation to transfer it to court. Now, the prosecutor has filed an indictment and transferred the case to court.

He was accused of receiving a bribe of 37 million tugriks from a manager of a Chinese investment company, and law enforcement agencies began investigating in 2023. He previously worked as the head of the logistics center of "Mongolian Railway" JSC in Zamyn-Uud and was appointed as the director of "Zuunbayan Railway" company.

Some of the cases that have been indicted and transferred to court include:

• The Ulaanbaatar City Prosecutor's Office has indicted S.B, head of department at the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, for abusing his official position by giving the draft law and related materials prepared by the department's specialists to others, entering into a work contract, and creating advantages for himself and others. The case has been transferred to the Chingeltei District Criminal Court of First Instance under Article 22.1.1 (Abuse of power or official position) of the Criminal Code.
• S.B, a technical inspection engineer at a branch of the National Auto Transportation Center state-owned enterprise, has been indicted for altering the information of citizen J.O's vehicle trailer, allowing it to pass inspection, and receiving a bribe in return for performing his official duties. The case has been transferred to the Songinokhairkhan District Criminal Court of First Instance under Articles 22.5.1 (Giving a bribe) and 22.13.1 (Receiving a bribe) of the Criminal Code.
• D.B, head of department at "Mongolian Railway" JSC, has been indicted for abusing his power for personal gain by selecting Chinese companies for tenders and projects implemented by "Mongolian Railway" JSC, passing information related to tenders and projects, and receiving bribes from L.T, the Mongolian representative of Chinese companies "Sh" and "I". The case has been transferred to the Chingeltei District Criminal Court of First Instance under Articles 22.4.1 (Public official receiving a bribe) and 22.5.1 (Giving a bribe) of the Criminal Code.
• D.A, a vehicle inspector at a unit of the General Authority for Border Protection, has been indicted for receiving a bribe from citizen G.Z in return for not transferring the relevant documents to the authorized official for inspection and resolution after detecting a violation where a vehicle of "I" LLC violated the established order of control and inspection at the border crossing. The case has been transferred to the Chingeltei District Criminal Court of First Instance under Article 22.4.1 (Public official receiving a bribe) of the Criminal Code.
• Chinese citizen V.B has been indicted for attempting to bribe an investigator to gain an advantage during the investigation process. The case has been transferred to the Khan-Uul District Criminal Court of First Instance under Article 22.5.1 (Giving a bribe) of the Criminal Code.

Translated from: https://news.mn/r/2739298/

Attempted Fraud by Selling "New Yarmag" Apartments at Discounted Prices

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

There have been repeated attempts to defraud people by offering apartments in the "New Yarmag" complex, which was seized by the Development Bank of Mongolia for debt, at discounted prices, making people believe they are the owners' property.

Specifically, there have been several cases of fraudulent activity where information was spread about "selling apartments from buildings 736 and 737 of the New Yarmag complex that were purchased at auction at below market prices", deliberately creating an artificial situation and misleading citizens by forging documents to make others' property appear as their own.

Therefore, the Development Bank is issuing this warning to citizens to prevent them from becoming victims of any crime.

If someone offers you to buy an apartment from New Yarmag, Buyant-Ukhaa 1, 2 complexes at a cheap price with the description "Purchased from the Development Bank...", please contact the specialist of the Asset Restructuring Department of the Development Bank directly at 85020513 to confirm and verify the information related to that real estate before making a decision.

One of the Development Bank's largest non-performing borrowers is the "New Yarmag Housing Project" company. Officials have reported that out of the 145 billion tugrik loan taken from the Development Bank in 2015 to build the "New Yarmag" complex, 59 billion has been repaid and 117 billion in debt remains. Therefore, in 2022, Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene gave instructions to seize the collateral assets of the "New Yarmag" project.

At the time, Finance Minister B. Javkhlan, when giving information about this, said, "The repayment progress of non-performing loans related to the Development Bank has slowed down in July and August. Therefore, to increase public oversight, instructions were given to relevant ministers to repay non-performing loans related to state-owned companies. The Prime Minister also ordered strict measures for non-performing loans in the private sector. Specifically, he gave directions to seize the collateral assets of the 'Erel' and 'New Yarmag' projects and take enforcement measures. He instructed to intensify this work within the next month. Since January of this year, a total of 510 billion tugriks of loans have been repaid to the Development Bank."

Translated from: https://news.mn/r/2739277/

"Danshig Naadam-Khuree Tsam 2024" to be held on August 3rd and 4th

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

"Danshig Naadam-Khuree Tsam" is a unique festival that preserves Mongolian cultural and religious rituals and traditions. This festival is traditionally organized jointly by the Citizens' Representative Khural, the Governor's Office of the Capital City, and the Gandantegchenlin Monastery, the center of Mongolian Buddhism. This year, the festival will be held on August 3rd and 4th at Khui Doloo Khudag. As of today, more than 2000 tourists have made reservations to watch the "Danshig Naadam-Khuree Tsam 2024" festival. The following events will be organized during the "Danshig Naadam-Khuree Tsam 2024":

• Horse racing (Khyazaalan, Great Age categories)
• Tsam dance ceremony
• Mandala offering ceremony
• Art performance
• Equestrian show
• Balin and butter sculpture competition
• Competition for Unzad and Golch lamas
• Buddhist debate competition
• Wrestling competition (National wrestling, Buryat, Inner Mongolian styles)
• Mongolian national costume show
• National archery competition
• Ankle bone shooting competition
• Horseback archery competition
• Mounted warrior show
• Spine-hitting competition and other events.

Translated from: https://itoim.mn/a/2024/07/17/capital/cyx

XAC Bank Participated in the World Economic Forum

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

XAC Bank representatives Randolph Koppa, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and N. Sergelen, Deputy CEO, attended the Summer Davos Forum held from June 24-27. This year's Summer Davos was attended by over 1,600 leaders from more than 80 countries, discussing six main topics. These included the New World Economy, China and Other Countries, Businesses in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, New Industrial Technologies, Investing in People, and Connecting Climate, Nature, and Energy.

N. Sergelen, Deputy CEO of XAC Bank, participated in a panel discussion on Digitalization and Landlocked Countries. He shared insights on the progress of digitalization in Mongolia, how digital transformation is supporting trade and the economy of landlocked countries, and the importance of regional cooperation.

XAC Bank, as a globally recognized leading international bank in Mongolia, has been collaborating with the World Economic Forum since 2010. In 2015, XAC Bank became the first Mongolian company to be selected as a "Global Growth Company" by the World Economic Forum. This prestigious award is given to organizations showing rapid growth and potential to compete on the international stage in various sectors such as banking, finance, energy, and air transport.

Furthermore, during last year's forum, XAC Bank became the first Mongolian entity to sign an official partnership agreement with the World Economic Forum. The agreement was signed by O. Orkhon, CEO of XAC Bank, and Dr. Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum.

By becoming a partner of the World Economic Forum, XAC Bank is taking a concrete step towards introducing Mongolia to global investors and business leaders.

Translated from: https://itoim.mn/a/2024/07/17/for-you/xum

Commemorative 5000 Tugrik Banknote Released

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

The Bank of Mongolia has produced a limited number of commemorative 5000 tugrik banknotes that are valid for circulation, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the establishment and consolidation of the banking system in Mongolia.

By order of the Governor of the Bank of Mongolia, these notes have been in circulation since May 31, 2024.

This 5000 tugrik banknote is unique in that it contains all the features according to the banknote design and specifications approved by the Parliament, while being enriched with security elements created using the latest technology.

The front of the banknote features security elements made with advanced technology, including: * A Soyombo that appears in three colors under ultraviolet light, * A 3D element that changes color and appears iridescent, featuring the logo of the 100th anniversary of the establishment and consolidation of the banking system, * A horseback hero in the lower right section, * Six diagonal raised recognition marks for visually impaired citizens newly placed on the right and left edges. The back of the banknote also features the latest moving micro-optical strip that appears intermittent.

Issuing commemorative banknotes for historical anniversaries and events is a common practice in countries around the world.

According to the Central Bank Law, the Bank of Mongolia has the exclusive right to issue banknotes for circulation and is constantly working on improving banknotes that need to be replenished with new reserves by enhancing them with highly confidential security elements made with new advanced technology.

In 2018, the Soyombo on the 5000 tugrik banknote was improved to become an iridescent ink element. In 2019, raised elements for visually impaired citizens and iridescent ink elements were added to the 50 and 20000 tugrik banknotes, and the 20000 tugrik banknote was changed to have a brand new strip with three-dimensional, micro-optical, and moving surface. In 2020, iridescent ink elements and raised elements for visually impaired citizens were added to the 100, 500, and 1000 tugrik banknotes. In 2021, the Soyombo on the 10000 tugrik banknote was created with 3D, fine linear elements, and a silver print that changes colors when tilted, and raised elements for visually impaired citizens and iridescent ink elements were added to improve it.

In addition, in 2021, a limited number of commemorative 10000 tugrik banknotes featuring the logo of the 100th anniversary of the People's Revolution were produced and issued for circulation to mark the centennial of the People's Revolution.

Translated from: https://gogo.mn/r/l51k8

Special Civil Service Exam to be Held Tomorrow

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

The commission established by the 2024 resolution of the Capital City Branch Council of the Civil Service Council met and approved the registration of 10 citizens for seven vacant executive positions in the permanent civil service.

The 10 citizens whose registrations have been approved will compete by taking a special exam according to the schedule set by the Civil Service Council. The special exam will begin at 12:00 tomorrow at the local administration complex in Yarmag.

The Capital City, District Governor's Offices, and some agencies under the jurisdiction of the Capital City Governor have submitted requests to the Civil Service Council to fill ten vacant executive positions in the permanent civil service. Registration began at 09:00 on June 24 and ended at 17:00 on the 8th of this month. The Human Resources Policy Department of the Capital City Governor's Office reported that 13 citizens submitted applications to register for eight vacant positions.

Translated from: https://www.montsame.mn/mn/read/347952

28 Free Clubs Operating at Children's Creative Center

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

The training manager of the "Children's Creative Center", M. Atara, provided details about the club programs at the only free training center in the capital.

He said, "The Mongolian Children's Creative Center has completed its 36th year of enrollment this year, graduating its children and closing the academic year on May 15th. Most recently, we held our children's 'Art World' exhibition, and now the club activities are on break. As we are an institution that conducts out-of-school training, education, and development activities for children, we operate alongside general education schools. Therefore, in the 2023-2024 academic year, we ran 21 clubs in 18 different fields. A total of over 1,500 children studied and graduated this year.

For the next 2024-2025 enrollment, we will start registration from September 3rd in the fall, and classes will begin from September 15th.

In the coming academic year, we will again operate 28 clubs in 18 fields. We are aiming to open a new Mongolian clothing design class. At the Children's Creative Center, children learn a lot in the fields of visual arts and handicrafts. In response to our children's demands and requests, we are diversifying our art classes, including an eco-art class and all types of modern art classes. We also focus on teaching creative fields such as sculpture and calligraphy."

Translated from: https://news.mn/r/2739280/

News Guide: Doping Test Results to be Announced to the Public

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

AT 11:40: - The 7th International Horse-head Fiddle Festival is taking place in Dalanzadgad soum, the center of Umnugovi aimag.

AT 13:00: - The VAT incentive lottery drawing will be broadcast live nationwide on the E-barimt application and "Education Channel" television.

AT 14:00: - The National Naadam Festival Organizing Commission will officially announce the doping test results to the public.

OTHER: - An off-road car race dedicated to Otgonbayar Jargalsaikhan, founder of the Selenge aimag Automobile Association, and the 100th anniversary of Shaamar soum of Selenge aimag will be held. - The 100th anniversaries of Altanshiree soum of Dornogovi aimag, Baatsagaan soum of Bayankhongor aimag, Shine-Ider and Galt soums of Khuvsgul aimag, Buren and Sergelen soums of Tuv aimag, Norovlin soum of Khentii aimag, and Tsagaannuur soum of Selenge aimag are being celebrated. - The ARA festival continues in Arkhangai aimag.

Translated from: https://news.mn/r/2739249/

Anti-Doping Organization: 4 Results Pending Out of 48 Samples Sent

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

The National Wrestling Branch Committee has provided information about doping tests. It was announced that doping tests were taken from 32 wrestlers who advanced in this year's Naadam Festival, and the initial results would be available within 48 hours. Now the results have arrived, and the branch committee is providing information about them today.

Out of 48 samples sent from 32 wrestlers and 16 archers from our country, results for 44 athletes were received within 48 hours. Officials stated that the four remaining samples without results do not necessarily indicate the detection of doping, but rather that detailed analysis is being conducted. They also mentioned that since the samples were taken using codes rather than names, it is unclear whose results are among the four pending samples.

N. Myagmar, Chairman of the National Wrestling Branch Committee: We took doping tests from a total of 48 athletes, including wrestlers who advanced four or more rounds in the National Great Naadam Festival, and the top eight male and eight female archers. The samples were analyzed by a laboratory in Germany. The test results arrived at our end at 22:30 on the 15th.

N. Ariunzaya, Secretary General of the Mongolian National Anti-Doping Organization: Our organization was responsible for collecting, storing, transporting, and delivering the test samples to the laboratory. All of these activities were carried out under the supervision of the police, Anti-Corruption Agency, and intelligence agencies. The athletes' doping control forms were sealed and stored with the wrestling branch committee. This year, we worked to get the initial results within 48 hours. The samples were delivered to the laboratory in Germany at 02:00 on July 14, Ulaanbaatar time. Results for 44 tests were sent to the Naadam Festival Organizing Committee and the Mongolian National Anti-Doping Organization at 22:30 on July 15. In other words, results for four samples have not arrived. We don't know when the results for these four samples will come. We are discussing to get them as quickly as possible. Even if these four test results come back positive, it doesn't necessarily mean doping has been detected. Additional tests are being conducted due to uncertainty. If positive results are found from the remaining four samples and a doping violation is detected, there is a legal regulation to notify the athlete and announce it to the public after receiving the results.

Translated from: https://itoim.mn/a/2024/07/17/society/lxa

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PAYING HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS THROUGH THE E-BARIMT APPLICATION

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

The premium you pay as an insured person through the E-Barimt application will be confirmed within 15-30 minutes, and you can choose to make your payment monthly, semi-annually, or annually.

Please familiarize yourself with the instructions for paying premiums:

1. Update and log in to your E-Barimt application.
2. Select "General Authority of Health Insurance" from the Services menu.
3. Choose your type of insurance.
4. Select from the options to pay your premium monthly, semi-annually, or annually.
5. Enter your registration number and select your province or district to confirm.
6. Select the months for which you want to pay premiums from the table.
7. Choose from the available payment options.

The premium you pay as an insured person through the E-Barimt application will be confirmed within 15-30 minutes, and you can choose to make your payment monthly, semi-annually, or annually.

Please familiarize yourself with the instructions for paying premiums:

1. Update and log in to your E-Barimt application.
2. Select "General Authority of Health Insurance" from the Services menu.
3. Choose your type of insurance.
4. Select from the options to pay your premium monthly, semi-annually, or annually.
5. Enter your registration number and select your province or district to confirm.
6. Select the months for which you want to pay premiums from the table.
7. Choose from the available payment options.

Translated from: https://gogo.mn/r/881gx

NEMA: Searching for Citizens Who Drowned in Rivers on the 14th of This Month

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

Emergency services are searching for two citizens who had accidents in rivers.

In Shaamar soum, Selenge aimag, a call was received at 12:23 on July 14 that a 30-year-old citizen Y had entered the "Yeroo" river to swim and drowned. Officers from the Search and Rescue Unit of the aimag's Emergency Management Agency, Fire Fighting and Rescue Unit 19 of the Emergency Department in Mandal soum, Fire Fighting and Rescue Unit 40 in Bayangol soum, and police officers jointly conducted a search operation on July 16. They floated 37 km from the accident site to the confluence of the Orkhon and Yeroo rivers with 2 boats, combing through river bends, bushes, and willows, and temporarily stopped at 20:50. The search operation resumed this morning at 05:00 on July 17.

In Lun soum, Tuv aimag, a call was received at 15:03 on July 14 that a 21-year-old citizen B, who was vacationing with family, had drowned while swimming in the "Tuul" river. Officers from the Search and Rescue Branch of the aimag's Emergency Management Agency conducted a search operation from 07:00 to 22:00 on July 15, floating 7.5 km downstream 3 times from "Old Wooden Bridge" to "Zhoogon" mountain in the north, and then 15.5 km from "Zhoogon" mountain to "Bulgan" mountain in the north, covering a total of 38 km on the Tuul river by boat. As the search was unsuccessful, it was temporarily halted. The search resumed at 07:00 on July 16, covering 22.7 km by boat twice from the accident site to "Bulgan" mountain, and conducting a foot search along the river branches. They also used an "Anchor" at the original accident site for the search operation and conducted 4 boat searches up to 7.5 km to "Zhoogon" mountain before stopping at 22:00. The search resumed again this morning at 07:00 on July 17.

Source: NEMA

Translated from: https://gogo.mn/r/xv1q6

PHOTO: Chairpersons and members of 11 Standing Committees of the State Great Hural

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

We are introducing the chairpersons and members of 11 Standing Committees of the State Great Hural (Parliament) established by the ninth election of the State Great Hural of Mongolia.

The chairpersons and members of 11 Standing Committees of the State Great Hural (Parliament) established by the ninth election of the State Great Hural of Mongolia are being introduced.

Translated from: https://gogo.mn/r/elvq9

VAT Lottery Draw to be Held Today

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

The live broadcast of the VAT incentive lottery draw for July 2024 will be aired nationwide today, July 17th, at 13:00 through the ebarimt application and the Education Channel television.

Citizens, please register your electronic payment receipts for purchases made between June 1st and 30th, 2024, before 11:59 today to participate in the lottery.

Translated from: https://gogo.mn/r/no1g2

Don't rush to announce the name of the wrestler who failed the doping test!

Published: Wed, 17 Jul 2024

The National Great Festival has ended, and the doping issue is starting to attract public attention. To resolve this issue, which causes controversy every year, starting this year, samples from wrestlers and archers are being sent to Germany instead of South Korea, with results expected within three days. Yesterday, responses for a total of 48 people were received by the wrestling sub-committee of the Festival Organizing Committee. It is currently unclear how many people's test results came back positive or negative.

Looking at the mistakes of previous years, it was a major procedural error that names were publicly announced in the media before officials made a statement. As a result, wrestlers whose rights were violated appealed to the sports arbitration and won cases where they were not banned from competing, which is not an isolated incident.

Mongolia adopted national anti-doping rules in 2022. Unfortunately, it's no secret that the implementation of these rules has been very poor.

If someone is associated with doping, they are not given the opportunity to explain or make a statement in the media. In fact, according to the rules, the wrestler who failed the test should be notified first, given time to review and accept the results, or given the right to have their B sample tested. A results management process should be taken. This is where the athlete's explanation is heard and what punishment to impose is decided.

If they disagree with the decision made, they have the right to appeal. During this entire process, the athlete's rights are suspended.

Section 14.9 of these rules states, "The National Anti-Doping Organization may publicly disclose information about an athlete who has received a notice of violation, the prohibited substance or method, the nature of the violation, and any temporary suspension imposed on the athlete after notifying the athlete and other parties in accordance with the 'International Standard for Results Management' and as specified in Section 14.2 of these rules."

In other words, the wrestling sub-committee of the Festival Organizing Committee can publicly announce information about an athlete or wrestler who has failed a doping test. However, it is necessary to clearly explain to the public that their rights have been temporarily suspended and that the process will continue.

Translated from: https://news.mn/r/2739237/