Oct 22, 2024 57 min read Daily News Summaries

Mongolia News Summary for October 22, 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.

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Politics

The Mayor of the City, Kh. Nyambaatar, May Have Pledged the "Road Fund" as Collateral for the "Capital City" Bond

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: isee.mn

In line with the practice of cities worldwide, Ulaanbaatar City issued bonds in 2024, with the initial offering held on June 25, 2024, just before the parliamentary elections. Out of the 500 billion MNT to be raised from the "Capital City" bond, 300 billion was invested in the "Booroljuutiin Power Plant." A bond is a security that involves lending a specific sum of money at an agreed interest rate for a specific period. According to sources, the Mayor of the City, Kh. Nyambaatar, allegedly pledged the "Road Fund" as collateral to raise the 500 billion MNT from the "Capital City" bond. Consequently, there have been repeated decisions to increase various taxes channeled into the "Road Fund." Specifically, vehicles with local license plates entering Ulaanbaatar are charged a fee of 1,000 MNT after 48 hours and 5,000 MNT for each day thereafter. Additionally, a proposal for citizens to pay fees when driving in the city's A zone was put forward but failed to gain public support. The "Road Fund" collects 30 billion MNT annually, and the increasing taxes levied on citizens appear to be an effort to augment the fund. Incidentally, the remaining 150 billion MNT raised from the "Capital City" bond was allocated to road and infrastructure repairs and upgrades, with a specific portion of it budgeted for the Tuul-1 sewer collector and flood control infrastructure.

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The IPU's Human Rights Committee of Parliamentarians Investigates the Case of S. Zorig

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The 149th session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) concluded successfully in Geneva, Switzerland, from October 13 to 17, 2024. Approximately 630 parliamentarians from around 130 member countries attended this session. Representing the State Great Khural of Mongolia, Deputy Chairman H. Bulgantuya, members O. Nominchimeg, G. Khosbayar, and Secretary General B. Baasandorj participated. On October 17, 2024, during the IPU's Governing Council meeting, elections were held for three members of the IPU's Human Rights Committee of Parliamentarians. Out of nine parliamentarians from eight member countries, Mongolia's O. Nominchimeg was elected to the committee. This committee has ten members, and the terms of three members expired this October. The newly elected members from Mongolia, Serbia, and Uganda will serve from 2024 to 2029. O. Nominchimeg becomes the first Mongolian parliamentarian to serve on this committee. The members of the IPU's Human Rights Committee of Parliamentarians implement their roles independently, focusing on examining violations and attacks against parliamentarians, acting as the voice of the people, and the only international body with the mandate to protect their rights. Currently, the committee is investigating violations of over 760 parliamentarians' rights from 47 member countries, including the case of former parliamentarian S. Zorig, as reported by the Press Department of the State Great Khural.

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How the Anti-Corruption Law Reform Has Started to Implement

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

On December 16, 2022, the State Great Khural amended the provisions related to corruption in the Criminal Code. The main idea of these changes is aimed at stopping officials who, even though unrelated to their duties, use their reputation and influence to give preferential treatment to others and obtain benefits for it. For instance, although someone is a Member of Parliament, they use their reputation to demand bank loans, concessions, or tenders for themselves or others. Such high-ranking officials have been involved in corruption and abuse of power by influencing loans from JDUHS, the Education Loan Fund, Development Bank, and contracts for coal transportation. Furthermore, the involvement of state-owned company executives and officials with the power to make agreements directly or indirectly in corruption cases has increased. Besides, asking for and giving non-monetary benefits as bribes now constitute a crime, which has started to be enforced by the courts under this law. For example, if a customs officer demands, "You should be fined 50 million, but give me five million," they will receive a penalty. Today, how the Criminal Code Articles 22.4 "public official bribery," 22.5 "bribery," and 22.13 "accepting bribes" are being implemented is also noteworthy. A recent case involved N. Odontsetseg, acting head of the Sukhbaatar District Governor's Office, being caught taking a 55 million tugrik bribe related to the tender for the district General Hospital construction. She had just been appointed to this position and had previously, in 2020, been investigated for a related 800 million tugrik bribery case involving 16 billion tugrik tenders when she worked as the head of the Procurement Office under the Sukhbaatar District Governor. During the four years of investigation for that case, evidence such as cash, gold, and jewelry was found in her home, and trusted sources confirm she pressured and blackmailed businesses to gain profits using her official position. She is currently being investigated under Criminal Code Article 22.4 for bribery and 22.10 for unexplained enrichment; if hidden assets or income laundering through stocks is established during the investigation, the penalty could increase. The 55 million tugrik bribe is considered "significant damage," with damages over 100 thousand units set as "significant" in the law for Criminal Code Chapter 22, equating to 100 million tugrik. Meanwhile, other chapters define "significant damage" as more than 50 thousand units, "considerable damage" as more than 10 thousand units, and "minor damage" as more than 300 units. Previously, the head of the Health Insurance General Office, L. Byambasuren, demanded shares from private and public hospitals' insurance funds, falsely increasing the source according to patient numbers and benefiting from it four times through coercion, was caught taking about 200 million tugrik bribe on September 17 this year. As defined in the Criminal Code Article 21.6, because it involves a politically influenced person, Byambasuren could face at least 12 years imprisonment for bribery involving hospitals. Both cases mentioned above involve significant organized bribery using official positions to give unwarranted advantages and profits through intimidation. Another issue is how corruption cases involving politically influential officials are resolved. Besides former Member of Parliament T. Ayursaikhan and "Erdenes Tavantolgoi" former CEO B. Gankhuyag, prosecution of politically influential individuals for corruption remains inadequate, eroding public trust. Court decisions should not be influenced by any individual, political official, or institution, yet many politicians implicated in the Development Bank and "Coal" cases have neither faced accountability nor remained involved in politics and held high offices. On April 22, 2022, the State Great Khural amended the special part of the Criminal Code, Article 21.6, to define "politically influential persons" as including the President, MPs, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Constitutional Court members, Supreme Court Chairman and judges, State Prosecutor General, heads of organizations reporting directly to the State Great Khural, province and city Governors, Provincial and City Assembly Chairmen, Ministry State Secretaries, and Government agency heads. Furthermore, according to Criminal Code Article 22.4.3, if such a crime is committed by a politically influential person or an organized crime group, the penalty is a lifetime ban from public office and imprisonment for 12 to 20 years. In contrast, public officials, excluding politically influential persons, demanding or taking bribes face a 2-8-year public office ban and 2-8-year imprisonment. Moreover, this law applies to public officials, with more convictions. For example, in Bayangol District, Traffic Police Coordinator G.N was sentenced to two years for taking a 60 thousand tugrik bribe during duty, while the bribe-giving citizen N received a one-year sentence. Similarly, Sukhbaatar Province Social Insurance Department's Audit and Monitoring Unit Head Ch.N was sentenced to one year and one month for taking an 800 thousand tugrik bribe from N.A's daughter regarding a retirement request in April 2023. Songinokhairkhan District Police Department Traffic Police Coordinator P.A was sentenced to one year for taking an 80 thousand tugrik bribe from a citizen for not performing official duties. If someone under coercion reports a bribe they were forced to give to the relevant authority, they can be exempted from punishment. According to Article 22.5 of the law, "giving bribes" is explained as being exempted if the individual was coerced, bribed, and received services performed by a public official per their duty and reported voluntarily. It will not exempt those intentionally giving bribes to obtain illegal acts by public officials; however, voluntarily reporting the bribe can serve as grounds for reducing the penalty. Even though the anti-corruption law provisions have begun to show results, there needs to be reflection on whether we shall continuously amend the Anti-Corruption Law and Criminal Code provisions related to these crimes or enact long-lasting, quality legislation. Laws must adapt constantly, though state and public officials, including politically influential persons, must strictly adhere to them. Examples show that the decision lies between working for profits or staying true to their oath when holding public office.

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Parliament Member O. Nominchimeg Elected as a Member of the IPU Special Committee on Human Rights of Parliamentarians

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: news.mn

The 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) successfully concluded in Geneva, Switzerland from October 13 to 17, 2024. This assembly was attended by over 630 parliamentarians from approximately 130 member countries worldwide. Representing the State Great Khural of Mongolia, Deputy Speaker Kh. Bulgantuya, Parliament Members O. Nominchimeg, G. Khosbayar, and Secretary General B. Baasandorj participated. On October 17, 2024, during the IPU's Governing Council meeting, elections were held to select three members for the IPU Special Committee on Human Rights of Parliamentarians. From nine candidates from eight member countries, O. Nominchimeg, a member of the State Great Khural of Mongolia, was elected to the committee. The committee is composed of 10 members, and the terms of three members were set to expire in October of this year. The newly elected members from Mongolia, Serbia, and Uganda will serve from 2024 to 2029. O. Nominchimeg becomes the first Mongolian parliamentarian to serve on this committee. The members of the IPU Special Committee on Human Rights of Parliamentarians independently carry out their duties to address attacks and violations against parliamentarians and protect their rights. It is the only international body of its kind. Currently, the special committee is reviewing violations of the rights of over 760 parliamentarians from 47 member countries, including the case of former parliamentarian S. Zorig, as reported by the Press Department of the State Great Khural.

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Member of Parliament O. Nominchimeg Elected as the First Mongolian Member of the IPU's Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: isee.mn

The 149th meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) took place in Geneva, Switzerland. This assembly was attended by over 630 parliamentarians from approximately 130 member countries. Participating on behalf of the State Great Khural (Parliament of Mongolia) were Deputy Speaker Kh.Bulgantuya, MPs O. Nominchimeg, G. Khosbayar, and Secretary General B.Baasandorj. During the IPU Governing Council meeting, an election was held to select three members for the IPU's Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians. Among the nine parliamentarians from eight member countries contending, Mongolian MP O. Nominchimeg was elected as a member of this committee. The committee consists of 10 members, with the terms of three members ending this month. The newly elected three members (from Mongolia, Serbia, and Uganda) will serve during the 2024-2029 period. MP O. Nominchimeg is the first Mongolian parliamentarian to serve on this committee. Members of the IPU's Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians independently exercise their mandate, focusing on investigating and addressing attacks and violations against parliamentarians, and advocating for their rights. It is the only international body with such a mandate. Additionally, the special committee is currently reviewing human rights violations concerning over 760 parliamentarians from 47 member countries, which includes the case of former parliamentarian S. Zorig, as reported by the Press Service of the State Great Khural.

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Economy

Possibility of Exporting Meat, Wool, Cashmere, and Leather Products from Mongolia to Pakistan

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene participated in the meeting of the Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states, held in Islamabad, the capital of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. During the meeting, he held trilateral talks with the heads of government from neighboring countries. He also had a private meeting with the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustin. The two heads of government exchanged views on advancing specific actions within their economic, trade, banking, transportation, and energy cooperation. Specifically, it was proposed to accelerate the project of constructing a pipeline to deliver natural gas from Russia to China through Mongolia. They also highlighted the possibility of initiating a new railway project by Mongolia, Russia, and China to increase freight traffic capacity to 60 million tons per year. A temporary agreement on a free trade agreement between Mongolia and the Eurasian Economic Union is planned to be concluded within this year. It was noted to be significant for increasing the trade volume between Mongolia and Russia. Additionally, it was reminded that environmental impact assessments related to the Eg River hydropower plant project are to be jointly implemented by scientists and specialists from Mongolia and Russia. Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene also met with the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, and noted the focus on further expanding and strengthening friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries, developing mutually beneficial collaboration in trade, economy, agriculture, tourism, and cultural sectors. The government leaders agreed, in particular, on increasing trade turnover and collaborating in the agriculture and light industry sectors. Specifically, there is a possibility for Mongolia to export meat, wool, cashmere, and leather products to Pakistan, and in return, for Pakistan to deliver textile products to Mongolia. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif proposed establishing an intergovernmental commission to expand trade and economic relations between the two countries. He also expressed his wish to establish embassies of the two countries and asked Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene to pay attention to visa facilitation. He emphasized his interest in importing agricultural products, especially wool, cashmere, leather, and meat from Mongolia, and highlighted the attention to be paid to making it a reality. During his visit to Pakistan, Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene met with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and expressed his pleasure at the successful progress of the important Mongolia-India project to build an oil refinery and agreed to work closely to complete the project on schedule. Furthermore, they settled on a grand celebration of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and India in 2025, to expand and develop the strategic partnership relationship between the two countries in all fields.

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"Mineral Processing-2024" International Conference to be held in Ulaanbaatar

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The 'Mineral Processing-2024' international academic and theoretical-practical conference, organized biannually by the Mongolian Mineral Beneficiates Association, will be held on the 25th of this month at the Conference Hall of the Novotel Hotel. This time, researchers and specialists from countries with highly developed mining sectors, such as Canada, Australia, the USA, and China, will participate in the 'Mineral Processing-2024' international conference, bringing together over 200 domestic and foreign representatives. The purpose of the conference is to introduce new technologies used in the beneficiation and processing of minerals, to explore possibilities for localizing advanced technologies and software that have been integrated into practice, to share knowledge and experience, to contribute towards defining trends in the mineral processing sector, and to develop cooperation among technology suppliers, production enterprises, and research institutions. Enterprises operating in the field of mineral processing, government agencies, scientists, universities, suppliers, laboratories, and consulting service providers will participate in the 'Mineral Processing-2024' international conference. They will discuss the topics of technological advancements in the industry, best practices of beneficiation plants, labor safety, results of experimental research, and legal and tax issues within the mineral processing sector.

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Amending the MNCCI Law Will Create Opportunities to Limit Government Interference in Business

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

By improving the legal framework of the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI), it is anticipated that opportunities will be created to limit government interference in the business sector. A working group has been established to draft the revised version of the MNCCI law. The MNCCI is a non-profit organization that aims to contribute to the country's economic development by creating favorable business conditions, fostering trade-economic, scientific, and technical cooperation with domestic and foreign organizations, and supporting the export of domestic goods and products. The Parliament of Mongolia has declared the "Three Perfections" policy as its main strategy to create a comprehensive, understandable legal system that meets the demands of the times and centers on people. Under this initiative, 54 working groups were formed, including the one mentioned above. The working group is headed by MP G. Damdinyam. We asked him about some aspects of the group's focus. - What will your working group focus on? - We will be reformulating the MNCCI law. In other words, we will change the entire law. We have such a legal avenue available to us. This law is considered to be a primary law that would improve the investment environment in Mongolia, make the business environment more favorable, and regulate the relationship between the state, the business sector, and citizens. The main idea of the law is to determine which organization will represent the business community when the state makes business-related decisions, implements tax policies, or passes laws related to major mines and the tourism sector, ensuring it adequately represents public interest and its sector. Up to now, whether all parties involved were adequately represented has been questionable. Our working group aims to integrate and organize the collective stance of stakeholders, making it easier for the business community to represent themselves and cooperate with the state. Public discussions will be held. We will meet with representatives from the business sector. Relevant research and information will be gathered and discussed with government organizations. Citizen input will also be collected. We aim to incorporate mutually beneficial arrangements derived from collective decisions of societal stakeholders. - Moving forward, it seems the reform of this law is indispensable for expanding cooperation between the state and the private sector and growing the economy. What advantages will this bring to businesses? - The business sector in Mongolia will have open access to interact with the government, with clearly defined rights, duties, and responsibilities. This will create a business environment that is more favorable to private enterprises, with clearer, more responsible, and more communicative relationships with the government. Additionally, an environment will be formed where each sector can unite, express their voice to the government, participate in crafting policies and decisions, and organize themselves collectively.

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"Mineral Processing-2024" International Conference to be Held

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: news.mn

The "Mineral Processing-2024" international scientific conference and theoretical-practical meeting, organized biennially by the Mongolian Mineral Processing Association, will be held for the 7th time on October 25, 2024, in Ulaanbaatar. This year's conference is expected to attract researchers and specialists from countries with advanced mining industries, including Canada, Australia, the USA, and China. Over 200 domestic and international representatives are provisionally set to gather at this event. The conference aims to introduce new technologies used in the beneficiation and processing of minerals, explore opportunities for localizing advanced technologies and software implemented in practice, exchange knowledge and experience, define trends in the mineral processing sector, and foster collaboration among technology suppliers, manufacturers, and research organizations. Enterprises involved in mineral processing, government bodies, scientists and researchers, universities, suppliers, laboratories, and consultancy service providers will participate in the "Mineral Processing-2024" international conference to discuss issues related to technical and technological innovations in the sector, best practices of beneficiation plants, occupational safety, research work outcomes, and legal and tax matters within the mineral processing field. The Mongolian Mineral Processing Association is the main organizer of this international conference, which will be held in the conference hall of the Novotel Hotel.

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Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Extraordinary XXII Congress to Elect President

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The XXII Extraordinary Congress of the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) is set to be held in the fourth week of November 2024. The Congress will discuss and approve the election of the MNCCI President. The President of the MNCCI serves as the Chair of the Governing Board and represents the National Chamber both internationally and domestically. They lead and direct the chamber's activities within the scope of powers granted by the Governing Board and as defined by the Charter, enhance the chamber's international cooperation, and work with the State Great Khural, the Government, and state and non-state organizations to protect and represent the rights and interests of its members and businesses. According to the rules of the MNCCI, the National Chamber is an independent, non-governmental organization that operates on the basis of the initiatives and membership of organizations, enterprises, and citizens, following the principles of self-governance to fulfill the rights and responsibilities stipulated by the "Law on Chambers of Commerce and Industry" of Mongolia and the MNCCI’s regulations.

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G. Enkhbat: We are offering a green bond of high significance to the society and economy

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: ikon.mn

We spoke with G. Enkhbat, the Executive Vice President of TDB Securities LLC. "Hello! We've heard that your company is planning to propose a green bond in the financial market. Could you give more information about this?" "Yes. We are planning to offer the first non-financial sector bond, specifically a green bond in US dollars for a plastic waste recycling plant in the real economic sector, on the open market of the Mongolian Stock Exchange. This bond is expected to be the highest-rated 'Excellent' bond in the local market. The rating is an independent verification provided by the internationally reputable 'Sustainable Fitch' agency. You can think of it as a bona fide green bond (laughs)." "What makes a green bond different from a regular bond?" "There isn’t much difference from a regular bond. The key distinction is that the utilization of this bond has a positive impact on the environment and human living conditions. For instance, our issuer has contributed to preventing the emission of 63.2 thousand tons of greenhouse gases, saved 139.9 MWh of electricity, and avoided 46.5 thousand cubic meters of soil pollution over the past 3 years. These figures will continue to grow. The 'TML Plastic' factory, our securities issuer, can recycle up to 27,000 tons of plastic waste per year using high-quality technology from European countries like Italy and Austria. This means it has the capacity to recycle all the plastic waste produced in Mongolia in a year." "How will this waste be collected, especially in rural areas?" "This is why we are offering this bond to the public. Currently, the 'TML Plastic' factory receives plastic waste through 3 points in the city and 1 point in Darkhan-Uul province. With the proceeds from the bond, the issuer will finance non-current assets and additionally establish waste collection points in provinces such as Khovd, Arkhangai, Khentii, Dundgovi, and Umnugovi, collect waste from these locations, and transport it to Ulaanbaatar for recycling. This recycled material will become raw material for beverage bottles. Put simply, the green bond underwritten by our company is creating a CIRCULAR ECONOMY." "Could you provide more information about the bond?" "We will accept preliminary bond market orders through the Mongolian Stock Exchange from October 25, 2024 to October 31, 2024, where anyone interested can invest through our company or their own stock brokerage. The bond offers an annual interest rate of 10%, with interest paid semi-annually, for a duration of 3 years. Since it’s traded on an open market, the interest tax is half that of deposit interest tax, at 5%.” "Do you have anything to say about the bond’s interest or coupon?" "As underwriters, we determine the interest based on the issuer’s preferences and capabilities, domestic and international market conditions, and future expectations. With an annual yield of 10%, we believe this is appropriate for today and capable of protecting investors from currency risk over the next 3 years. In the domestic market, bank deposit interest rates are around 3%, the US policy rate is around 5%, and the yield on Mongolian government bonds traded on the international market is around 6%. It seems like a reasonable and attractive interest rate. In the past, the local currency has depreciated against the dollar by an average of 8-12% annually, suggesting potential nominal returns of 18-20% for investors, although this is not guaranteed, as predicting the dollar’s exchange rate is challenging. Given past exchange rate performance, current socio-economic developments, governmental projects, and Mongolia’s foreign debt, we see this bond as a must-have investment for investor portfolios." "Do you have anything else to say?" "China banned the import of plastic waste from other countries starting January 1, 2019. Until then, we exported to our southern neighbor. Like Singapore, we cannot reclaim land from the sea by processing waste, and without this plastic recycling factory, Mongolia’s plastic waste would either be buried or burned. From this perspective, we see this project as incredibly significant for the community. It is exciting to see the results of the project that we have been working on for the past year. Over the next 3 years, the 'TML Plastic' factory plans to recycle 82.6 thousand tons of plastic bottles and prevent soil contamination on 242,396 cubic meters of land, which is very encouraging. After this project, we are working to offer an innovative stock on the stock exchange by the end of 2024 that has not been issued before. This is not just a regular bond; it signifies a GREEN FUTURE. If you wish to invest in green bonds, please contact 7010-0261 or 8000-3148, or click HERE." Warning: Media organizations (TV, radio, social media, and websites) must cite the source (ikon.mn) when reproducing and partly using our information in any form.

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The Market Valuation of Companies' Securities Increased by 1.8 Trillion MNT

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: montsame.mn

During the securities trading, transactions worth 998.9 billion MNT were made in the first 9 months of 2024. This is an increase of 384.7 billion MNT compared to the same period in 2023. Of the transactions, 657.8 billion MNT was from primary market transactions, and 341.1 billion MNT was from the secondary market. Specifically, 61.9% was from corporate bonds, 24.4% from company shares, 13.2% from asset-backed securities, and 0.4% from units of investment funds. The total market valuation of the securities of publicly traded companies operating in the stock market reached 12.1 trillion MNT in September, increasing by 1.8 trillion MNT compared to the same period in 2023.

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Mongolian Economy Like a Patchy Bomb Ready to Blow in Any Direction

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: news.mn

A conversation with D. Batbayar, Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Sub-committee on Budget Expenditure Oversight. – The Government of Mongolia is currently discussing the 2025 budget with Parliament. What is your position on the upcoming budget proposal? – Before delving into next year's budget issues, I want to say a few words about how the Parliament of Mongolia discusses and approves the state budget. For example, the general outline for the 2025 budget was prepared during 2022 and 2023, and the budget framework statement was submitted. In other words, various measures are taken to keep the state budget stable and calculated by forecasting. However, we have been handling this by getting involved at every step. Because the public is generally not well-informed about budget framework statements and timelines, they do not pay attention to these issues. It is important for the public to focus on what the budget entails in terms of limits and timelines. Although public discussions about the budget are suggested, citizens are not paying attention as much as they should. Thus, increasing citizens' involvement and control is crucial for improving participatory governance, which is why we will focus on informing and educating citizens. Essentially, the newly established 126-member Parliament following the 2024 elections is now discussing the second budget within three months. In other words, just over a month ago, we discussed and approved the 2024 budget amendment. Currently, we have started discussing the 2025 budget. At the beginning of the 2024 budget amendment discussion, most members were new, so only a few expressed their opinions, and the matter was passed without much notice. – Specifically, you propose the upcoming year's budget along with the development program and plan. Shouldn't the budget be accompanied by the development plan for the next year? – Exactly. However, suggestions emerged that some aspects of the upcoming development plan were excessive or lacking, but they only proceeded within the framework of the initially presented package of issues. Although the ruling and opposition parties formed a coalition government, even if members of the opposition expressed differing opinions on the budget, the majority in the ruling party moved forward as if the train had already left the station. Therefore, it is important to focus citizens' attention on the budget knowledge of voters. The draft budget for 2025 was submitted to the Parliament by the government on September 1. In other words, the draft was submitted a month before the budget discussions, allowing Parliament members adequate opportunity and time to familiarize themselves with it. Members have been meticulous in scrutinizing whether the 14 mega projects intended by the government are indeed feasible, asking questions and seeking answers. Conversely, during the 2024 budget amendment discussions, there was little opportunity to become familiar and inquire further. Nevertheless, there is concern that the 2025 budget may also be approved despite being a highly expanded budget. – As Chair of the Sub-committee on Budget Expenditure, what opportunities are there to monitor this high-growth budget? Is there a direct way to propose reductions if expenditure is deemed inefficient? – As a Parliament member, it is only possible to express opinions. The Sub-committee on Budget Expenditure functions as a ceremonial body presenting conclusions when the standing committee discusses the budget. It plays a more active role during discussions of the previous year's budget performance. For instance, extracting and examining data from agencies that received limited or adverse audit evaluations on their 2023 budget has been done by the sub-committee. With the yearly increase in budget expenditure, the funds allocated to the general budget executives also increase. However, if the funds allocated are not effectively assessed and evaluated for what and how they were spent, control will be lost. As the budget performance discussions happen, officials are eager to get their budget approved. Today, officials in the palace hope to increase their budget if possible or at least not to have the approved budget reduced. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate and assess how last year’s budget and funds were spent. For example, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth moved over from having the State Committee for Physical Education and Sports, which had a budget of over 110 billion MNT. An audit at the end of 2023 imposed authorities with a fine of 42.8 billion MNT. In other words, an infraction penalty equating to almost half the total budget, yet nobody discusses this issue. Consequently, questions have been directed to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth. – You are a businessperson representing the mining sector's processing industry. What's your stance on the 14 mega projects the government intends to implement? – From a business and economic perspective, large investments provide opportunities for economic expansion. Large-scale developments should be beneficial to the economy. Conversely, not everything implemented by the state needs to generate returns. According to the government's explanation, investment projects initiated in 2023 and 2024 will be completed. Despite stating that no new local investment projects will start, the upcoming year’s state-funded 108 projects and programs display a discomforting reality. Among these, 32 projects are fundamental projects like infrastructure that foster economic opportunities, while 76 are the usual non-productive spending on schools and kindergartens. Allocating the budget towards business environment improvement would yield benefits. Today, the government's words and actions do not align. For example, increasing the minimum wage to 792,000 MNT from April 1 next year will increase labor costs, leading to higher production costs, potentially driving up inflation. Increased tax revenue from the higher minimum wage could negatively impact the business environment. – The notion of transitioning from a consumer to a producer nation is often discussed. Despite frequent calls for the development of medium and small enterprises alongside major processing industries, why do they remain mere slogans? – Everything must be grounded in reality. If the business environment were favorable, development could occur with or without the state. However, without such an environment, small, medium, and large-scale industries do not develop. Bringing in goods that could be locally produced should stop. The state should provide support, but double standards have become the norm. – Are you suggesting that government's projects are implemented in the hometowns of officials? – For instance, a lime plant is planned in Gobi-Altai province, yet the leather processing plant in Darkhan-Uul province is not included in the development plan. The state should not run businesses but should improve the business environment. If the issue of establishing a leather processing plant in Darkhan was included in the government’s action program, it could attract investment, and businesses would qualify for concessional loans. The state needs to show that it supports businesses to attract investors. State-funded projects require several criteria, such as feasibility studies, inclusion in government development plans, and sectoral support. If you look at how the expenses of projects implemented since 2020 were selected for government development plans, yet again those double standards emerge. For example, the initial cost for a planned educational, research, and production complex was 94 billion MNT, now it is 154 billion MNT. Without a detailed audit conclusion on previously allocated financial costs, spending continues to rise unmitigated. – The state budget is consistently deficit-laden, with expenditures exceeding revenues each year. Is there a risk of revenue shortfalls next year? – Looking at the fluctuations in raw material prices, particularly coal, recent days show decreasing trends. If the price for Mongolia’s primary export commodities continues to drop, another budget amendment may be necessary next year. There could be a repeat of the events in 2024. The state is running a business to meet its envisaged expenditure. However, the state should rely on tax revenue from private enterprises instead. Yet, competition with the private sector suggests the state's core principles have been eroded. Thus, the economy is akin to a patchy bomb ready to explode from any angle. Numerous incomplete works and patches on everything make repair impossible. It's an issue of attitude. Why should the state do everything? We’ve had ample demonstration of what happens when the state is overly involved. Misusing coal revenue seems to empower the state while businesses are forced to cater to public agencies to maintain their income. Essentially, society serves the state as it continues to lead the milk cow forward. Three years ago, reflect whether the dining place you visited is still operational today. The key role of the services sector in the economy is challenged by high-cost pressures, resulting in many closing their doors. Hence, there is a need to seek products that can be produced domestically and sold abroad. The primary element for manufacturing is raw materials. Mongolia has rich resources of livestock skins and mining raw materials, so establishing processing plants to diversify budget revenue is essential. For instance, the Ministry of Education has included the construction of numerous new schools in its budget, which will add to both operational and capital expenditure, further expanding fiscal outflows. If state budget revenue falls short, external and internal borrowing or tax increases may be needed to cover expenses. Such a devilish cycle is what we enter into. State investments must be practical. The state should not do everything but delegate to local governments or private enterprises. – Should the economy unravel suddenly, would the parties within the coalition government, having cooperated, bear responsibility? – It may appear that way politically. Responsibility accompanies authority. For the past eight years, we have lacked the opportunity to demonstrate what needs to be done and how it should be achieved publicly. Those appointed from the Democratic Party within the Coalition Government see this as an opportunity to showcase what can be accomplished in each sector. Without opportunity, they cannot demonstrate what can be done. Therefore, they hope to show voters what is possible within the stipulated time in their assigned sectors such as law, environment, economy, and construction.

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Electricity and Heating Price Increase Will Impact Inflation by Less Than One Percent

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: itoim.mn

The government has announced that the prices of electricity, heating, and hot water will be increased. Although this increase is said to be implemented starting from the 1st of the next month, no official decision has been made yet. According to the development plan, the electricity price is planned to be increased by 64% and the heating price by 28%. An intergovernmental committee headed by Minister T. Dorjhand has been established to resolve issues in the energy sector. This committee will address the price increase of electricity and heating and all other issues facing the sector and, if necessary, will submit proposals to parliament for resolution. The prices of electricity, heating, and hot water will be increased incrementally on more than one occasion. The initial increase is aimed at operating the sector without losses, while subsequent increases aim for profitable operation, stated the sector's minister. Since the prices of electricity, heating, and hot water are basic economic prices, the effect on inflation has been studied by the Bank of Mongolia and the Statistics Committee, which concluded that it will impact inflation by less than one percent. However, this study was only conducted regarding household consumption. The study on how the price increase for businesses will affect inflation has not been presented. Although the Ministry of Finance has included a six percent inflation rate in the next year's budget, the Fiscal Framework Statement estimates it at 7.5 percent. If inflation is high, the value of money in citizens' pockets decreases. The foundational inflation impact of the electricity price increase is expected to be felt in 2025 and to dissipate in 2026.

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Who Will Be Appointed as the Next President of the MNCCI?

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: news.mn

Enkhtuvshin D., who served as the President of the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI), became a member of Parliament through the MPP's list. Therefore, he has announced to the MNCCI's Executive Board that he is voluntarily stepping down from his position, and the Executive Board has accepted his resignation. Consequently, it has been decided to convene an extraordinary 22nd National Assembly of the MNCCI in the fourth week of November 2024 to appoint the next President. As stated in the MNCCI's regulations, the National Chamber is a non-governmental organization established based on the initiatives of organizations, enterprises, and individuals, operating under self-governance principles, to implement rights and responsibilities stipulated by the "Law on Chambers of Commerce and Industry" of Mongolia and the MNCCI's regulations, while maintaining neutrality and providing public service. The extraordinary 22nd National Assembly of the MNCCI will address the matters of electing and confirming the President of the MNCCI. The President of the MNCCI serves as the Chairman of the Chamber’s Executive Board, representing the National Chamber both domestically and internationally. The President is responsible for directing the activities of the chamber within the scope of authority provided by the Executive Board and regulations, enhancing international cooperation, and collaborating with the Parliament, Government, state and non-state organizations to protect the interests of members and business entities. According to Article 4.2.1 of the MNCCI's regulations, members of the chamber have the right and obligation to elect and be elected to the governing bodies of their respective chambers. Article 4.2.2 gives members the right and obligation to participate in the National Chamber’s Assembly and express their opinions on the issues discussed at the assembly. Candidates for the Presidency of the Chamber are required to prepare a brief biography and their platform, submitting them to the nomination committee by 5:00 PM two days before the scheduled date of the Assembly. MNCCI members who joined before June 3, 2024, and have fully paid their membership dues by November 15, 2024, are eligible to participate in the 22nd National Assembly.

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New Legal Framework for the MNCCI to Limit State Intervention in Business

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: gogo.mn

To support the economic development of the country, create favorable conditions for business activities, foster trade-economic, scientific, and technical cooperation with foreign and domestic organizations, and promote the export of domestic goods and products, a working group has been established by the order of the Speaker of the State Great Khural to draft a revised version of the law on the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI), a non-profit organization. The first 126-member parliament of Mongolia, to create a "people-centered," comprehensive, and clear legal framework that meets the current demands, declared the "Three Perfections" policy as a key strategy. One of the 54 working groups formed within this policy is the aforementioned group. Member of Parliament G. Damdinyam is working as the head of this working group. Let's clarify some things with him. - How will the working group for drafting the revised version of the law on the MNCCI operate? - By revising the law on the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a favorable legal environment will be created to improve the investment and business climate and regulate the relationship between the state, the business sector, and citizens. The main idea of the law is to enact fundamental reforms regarding the state’s decisions related to business, such as regulating taxes and fees, utilizing mineral resources, and developing the tourism sector. Specifically, in order for sectors within the business community to cooperate with the government, the working group will create favorable legal conditions starting from uniting by sector or direction to express a unified stance among the stakeholders. In drafting the law, it is important to incorporate public and business feedback and conduct discussions. The aim is to revise the law based on the collective solutions of parties involved in social relations, reflecting mutually beneficial regulations to one another. - Could you briefly summarize the significance of the law? - By updating the legal framework of the MNCCI, the opportunity to limit state intervention in the business sector will emerge. Additionally, the roles, responsibilities, and accountability of private sector and government cooperation will become clear. In other words, business representatives will be able to unite by sector or as a whole business environment to express their voice to the government and participate in policy and decision-making, thereby demonstrating the significance of legal reform. To support the economic development of the country, create favorable conditions for business activities, enhance trade-economic, scientific, and technical cooperation with foreign and domestic organizations, and promote the export of domestic goods, a working group has been established by the order of the Speaker of the State Great Khural to draft a revised version of the law on the MNCCI, a non-profit organization. The first 126-member parliament of Mongolia, to create a "people-centered," comprehensive, and clear legal framework that meets the current demands, declared the "Three Perfections" policy as a key strategy. One of the 54 working groups formed within this policy is the aforementioned group. Member of Parliament G. Damdinyam is heading this group. By revising the law on the MNCCI, a favorable legal environment is being established to improve investment and business environments and regulate state-business-citizen relations. The main idea of the law involves fundamental reforms related to state decisions regarding business, such as tax regulation, resource utilization, and tourism development. The group aims to create favorable legal conditions for sector unification and expressing a consensus among stakeholders for cooperative work with the government. Securing public and business input through discussions is emphasized in the drafting process. The goal is to incorporate mutually beneficial regulations in the revised law based on collective decision-making results among social parties. Legal reform in the MNCCI framework will facilitate limiting government participation in business and clarifying private and state collaborative roles, rights, and responsibilities, enabling business entities to present their collective voice, participate in governmental policy and decision-making, illustrating the exact impact of the legal changes.

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Electricity and Heating Price Increase to Affect Inflation by Less Than One Percent, Experts Say

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: itoim.mn

The government has announced plans to increase the prices of electricity, heating, and hot water. Although the implementation of this increase is expected to start on the 1st of next month, there is no official decision yet. However, the Development Plan has calculated a 64% increase in electricity and a 28% increase in heating prices. The government has established a national committee, led by Minister T. Dorjkhands, to address issues in the energy sector. This committee will resolve the electricity and heating price increase issues and other sector problems, proposing solutions to the parliament if necessary. The prices of electricity, heating, and hot water will be increased gradually, in stages. The initial increase aims to prevent sector losses, while subsequent increases aim to bring profitability, according to the sector minister. Since electricity, heating, and hot water prices are fundamental economic prices, the impact on inflation has been studied by the Bank of Mongolia and the Statistics Committee, resulting in a finding that the increase will affect inflation by less than one percent. However, this study only covered household consumption. The impact of price increases on businesses has not been presented. The Ministry of Finance predicted inflation to be six percent in next year's budget, but the Fiscal Framework Statement estimates it to be 7.5 percent. High inflation would mean money in citizens' pockets loses value. The fundamental inflationary impact of the electricity price increase is expected to be felt in 2025 and disappear by 2026.

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Electricity and Heat Price Increases Will Affect Inflation By Less Than One Percent, Report Says

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: itoim.mn

The government has announced that the prices of electricity, heat, and hot water will be increased. Although the increase is said to take effect from the 1st of next month, there is no official decision yet. However, the Development Plan has projected that electricity prices will be increased by 64% and heat prices by 28%. The government has established a national committee led by Minister T. Dorjhand to resolve issues in the energy sector. This committee is tasked with addressing all the challenges in the sector, including the price increases, and if necessary, presenting them to the Parliament for resolution. The prices of electricity, heat, and hot water will be increased in stages more than once. The first increase aims to ensure the sector operates without a loss, while the subsequent increase is intended to generate profit, according to the sector's minister. Electricity, heat, and hot water prices are fundamental economic prices, so the Bank of Mongolia and the Statistics Council have studied their impact on inflation, which is estimated to be less than one percent. However, this study only covers household consumption. No report has been presented on how the price increases for businesses will affect inflation. Although the Ministry of Finance has included a 6% inflation rate in next year's budget, the Fiscal Statement estimates it to be 7.5%. High inflation would mean that the money in citizens' pockets loses value. The primary inflationary impact of the electricity price increase is expected to be felt in 2025 and dissipate by 2026.

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Electricity and heat price increase expected to have less than one percent impact on inflation

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: itoim.mn

The government has announced that the prices of electricity, heat, and hot water will be increased. Although there is information that this increase will take effect from the 1st of next month, no official decision has been made so far. However, according to the Development Plan, it has been calculated to increase the price of electricity by 64% and the price of heat by 28%. The government has established a national committee headed by Minister T. Dorjkhad to address issues in the energy sector. This committee is tasked with resolving all problems related to the increase in electricity and heat prices and bringing them before the Parliament for a decision if necessary. The prices of electricity, heat, and hot water will be increased in stages more than once. The first increase aims to operate the sector without losses, and the subsequent increase aims to operate with a profit, as announced by the minister of the sector. Since the prices of electricity, heat, and hot water are considered basic economic prices, the Bank of Mongolia and the Statistical Office have studied their impact on inflation and concluded that it would influence by less than one percent. However, this study was only conducted on household consumption. The impact of electricity and heat price increases on inflation for businesses has not been presented. The Ministry of Finance included six percent inflation in next year's budget, but the Fiscal Framework statement estimated it at 7.5 percent. High inflation means the money in citizens' pockets will lose value. The base impact of the electricity price increase on inflation is expected to be felt in 2025 and to disappear in 2026.

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Diplomacy

"China Energy" Group Expresses Interest in Sustainable Long-term Cooperation with Mongolia

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The Prime Minister of Mongolia, L. Oyun-Erdene, expressed interest in sustainable and long-term cooperation with China Energy Group. Mongolian Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene had been in Islamabad, the capital of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, to attend the expanded meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the member and observer countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. On his way back, he visited the People's Republic of China. He participated in a ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and the People's Republic of China. Over this period, the two countries have traversed historic challenges together, and their relationship has developed into a comprehensive strategic partnership. The Prime Minister emphasized the need to strengthen traditional ties and outline new mutually beneficial cooperative paths for the coming years. In 2022, Mongolian President U. Khurelsukh and Chinese President Xi Jinping set a goal of increasing bilateral trade to 20 billion USD over the next five years. As of last year, the trade volume between the two countries had reached 17 billion USD, reflecting the active cooperation between the two sides. During his visit to China, Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene met with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of China Energy Group, Lu Guoyue. On April 2, 2024, an agreement was established between the governments of Mongolia and China to construct and collaborate on the border-crossing railway bridge of the Gashuunsukhait-Gants Mod port. The Prime Minister expressed support for accelerating the bridge construction and border connection projects. Chairman Lu Guoyue expressed support for the Prime Minister's proposal and noted interest in pursuing stable and long-term cooperation with Mongolia. Moreover, Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene met with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), Dai Houliang, to discuss cooperation in the oil sector, the construction of natural gas pipelines, and fuel procurement. The Prime Minister noted the corporation's potential to supply raw materials to the oil processing plant being built in Mongolia. Interest was expressed in increasing the volume of Euro-5 standard fuel imported from China and collaborating with the corporation on new oil exploration and production to boost output. Chairman Dai Houliang expressed gratitude for meeting with Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene again and emphasized a keen interest in enhancing bilateral cooperation. Particularly, it is advisable for both parties to intensify efforts in oil exploration and production. Warning: Media organizations (TV, Radio, Social and Web pages) must always cite the source (ikon.mn) when using our information in any form, whether in full or in part.

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Mongolia is the country with the shortest air route from Asia to Europe and America

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Mongolia's air route is the closest and most strategic main route for flights from China to the USA or from Southeast Asian countries to Europe and America. Due to the global pandemic and international geopolitical crises, the number of transit flights has decreased by up to 60% since 2019, resulting in a 50% drop in air navigation revenue, leading to economic difficulties, according to the Head of the National Civil Aviation Center, E. Törbayar. Despite this, efforts have been made to enhance human resources by training flight controllers and specialists, ensuring the safe operation of flights without compromising safety during challenging times. Today marks the International Day of Air Traffic Controllers, and the National Civil Aviation Center is organizing a discussion on the management of air space in celebration of this event, it was reported. About 2100 air traffic controllers are working in Mongolia's air navigation system. A flight controller is a professional who supervises the safety and management of flight operations over Mongolian territory and for both domestic and international flights, dividing the airspace into three zones for safety, analogous to coordinating traffic police duties on roads. The National Civil Aviation Center provides five types of services to international and domestic/local air carriers: air traffic services, air navigation technical services, flight flow planning, meteorological, research, and information services.

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Infrastructure

D.Altantsetseg: The Oil Refinery Project Has Not Stopped. $251 Million in Funding Has Been Used

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The Mongolian People's Party caucus in the State Great Khural held a meeting to discuss the progress of the oil refinery being constructed in Dornogovi province. "The $1.2 billion funding for the construction of this plant might not be sufficient. We need to create conditions for the project to continue without stopping by signing an additional $431 million loan agreement with the EXIM Bank of India and having it ratified by the State Great Khural," said Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Ts.Tuvaan. Furthermore, Member of Parliament L.Munkhbaatar reported that the party made a political decision to immediately resolve additional financing issues by consulting with the Indian side and preparing for ratification by the parliament. The executive director of "Mongol Oil Refinery" SOE, D.Altantsetseg, clarified, "The project to establish the oil refinery has not stopped or failed. It has been continuously advancing since its inception. In the territory of Altanshireet soum, Dornogovi province, we are constructing everything from scratch. Nowadays, it's rare to build a new oil refinery from scratch. Most projects expand into the petrochemical sector and increase capacity. Implementing the next heavy industry project will take considerable time. Once the feasibility study is completed, construction begins. The oil refinery comprises 12 main technological facilities, and its engineering work proceeds in five phases over 2–4 years. Our company's personnel are making history by establishing a new foundation for the petrochemical industry among Mongolians for the first time. The project has not been interrupted. There should be no loss of confidence. India is a key player on the geopolitical stage. One must understand that it spans many sectors. Twelve countries are involved in the oil pipeline and crude oil pipelines. The Indian side raises customs procedures and worker visa issues. The customs temporary regime is a complicated system where equipment brought in for long-term projects is returned to the country of origin after one year. This will be included in new loan negotiations. To date, $251 million in funding has been utilized. The total loan amount from the EXIM Bank of India is $1.2 billion. This money does not come to a Mongolian bank. The contractor is an Indian company. Not a single dollar comes to Mongolia. The total cost is divided as 60% for equipment orders, 5% for engineering, and 35% for construction. Although major equipment is being produced, the EXIM Bank is not making payments. In other words, the contractor pre-pays before the equipment is manufactured," according to the information provided.

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Public Transport Bus Service to "Chinggis Khaan" International Airport Launched

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Public transport buses are now operating to "Chinggis Khaan" International Airport. The city's public transportation department has launched bus services on routes X:19 “Chinggis Khaan Airport to Sukhbaatar Square” and X:20 “Chinggis Khaan Airport to 5 Shariin”. These buses operate daily from 6:20 am to 10:30 pm. From "Chinggis Khaan" International Airport, passengers can travel on these routes for MNT 15,000 for adults and MNT 7,000 for children. Payment card options are available as well.

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R.Erdeneburen: We will start pressuring to get rid of used cars with steering wheels on the wrong side

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Today, journalists sought clarification from R.Erdeneburen, Minister of Mongolia and Chairman of the National Council for the 20-Minute City, on the plans to reduce traffic congestion in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city. Since taking office, he has not spoken much about specific solutions and measures, which prompted journalists to demand answers. Minister R.Erdeneburen stated, "One reason for congestion is damaged roads. I support the city administration for being brave in undertaking this work. Ministers have tasks to accomplish within the first 100 days of the new government, and I have mine as well. Let me mention a few points. Firstly, it is necessary to commence any work based on research. Secondly, I am listening extensively to the advice of professionals. Thirdly, I believe in making announcements only after aligning everything, especially at the decision-making level. It might seem like nothing is happening from the outside. Our officials and professionals are working well. We recently met with a major Chinese company. There is an urgent need for two or three large projects to reduce congestion. Before discussing any work, it is important to bring everything to a common understanding and on the same wavelength; otherwise, rushing to make statements just because something is trending on social networks is not right. The work to be implemented in the near term must be split into two: long-term major projects and those that can be executed quickly and have a significant impact on congestion. For example, discussions are underway to make four road intersections into two levels. Discussions are ongoing on how to make about 10 intersections into two levels in a short time frame. Secondly, it's not only buses, but also other public transport means, like the BRT, a project that has been discussed for many years, that we plan to initiate. There are legal issues as well. Since many cities will be created under the new law about the legal status of cities and towns approved before the election, work will begin to inform the public and reach a common understanding. Efforts will be made to shift from right-hand drive old vehicles to left-hand drive new vehicles. For instance, implementing bold measures such as import tariffs or prohibiting the import of right-hand drive vehicles is necessary. Warning: Please note that when using our information in any form, whether television, radio, social media, or web pages, press and media organizations must always cite the source as (ikon.mn).

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76% of Habitable Land in Our Country is not Connected to Any Network

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: gogo.mn

In Mongolia, only 23.8% of the total habitable land area is connected to terrestrial and mobile networks, while the remaining land is not connected to any network. If we consider connecting only 60% of the total land area to the mobile network, it is estimated that connecting 1,639 baghs with fiber optic cable will cost a total of 292 billion MNT, and connecting all herder households to the fiber optic network will require 29 trillion MNT. In terms of cellular connections, 28,278 4G network stations would need to be established with an investment cost of approximately 11 trillion MNT. The annual operating cost is projected to be 1.7 trillion MNT. Currently, Mongolians pay 9.6 million USD annually for renting foreign satellites. Calculated over 15 years, this would amount to 144 million USD. Therefore, launching a national communications satellite that covers the entire region is technically feasible and economically beneficial. Source: Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Communications

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Peacekeepers begin traveling by national airline

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The national airline MIAT LLC has begun serving peacekeepers. Specifically, the company's "Boeing" aircraft transported the military personnel of the Mongolian Armed Forces, who are tasked with participating in the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan. Mongolia has been participating in peacekeeping operations since 2002, and for more than 20 years, flights were carried out by foreign air carriers. However, in October 2023, MIAT LLC signed a cooperation agreement with the General Staff of the Armed Forces, and for the first time, 230 peacekeepers of the 13th contingent traveled to South Sudan aboard an aircraft bearing the Mongolian flag.

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Enforcement of Standards for Outdoor Signs and Advertisements

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: isee.mn

As of October 1, 2022, 52 standards were approved and began implementation in Ulaanbaatar city. One of these is the general requirements for outdoor signs and advertising facilities. There are over 18,600 businesses registered in the city related to trade and services. However, studies indicate that more than 70% of them do not meet the general requirements for outdoor signs and advertising facilities. This includes not only signage but also the outdoor environment and landscaping. Specifically, the following requirements are imposed on outdoor signs and advertising facilities: - They must utilize modern technological solutions and provide regular maintenance to ensure integrity. - Signs should be aligned with the unified color scheme of city streets and architectural structures. - They should not compromise the safety, integrity, and aesthetic appearance of buildings. - Signs must be written in Mongolian. If written in English, they should be in a size half that of the Mongolian text underneath or following it. - Signs should be uniform in design and size within the same space. - Do not alter logos of trademarked products. - The total size of the sign should not exceed 20% of the facade. - Signs should have external and internal lighting, and a comprehensive information facility containing details of all organizations should be displayed. We interviewed P. Munkhzaya, the senior specialist in charge of trade and service standards at the HBSHD, about the implementation of this standard. He stated, "The majority of complaints from citizens regarding outdoor signs and advertisements are related to unclear or foreign language signage. Additionally, most violations involve excess signage size. Since last year, these types of standard violations have increased after the city stopped issuing special permits for 74 services. While we are supporting business operations, we are also demanding compliance with these standards. To this end, we are working with the city's Food and Agriculture Department and the Inspection Department to enforce the standards for outdoor advertising and signage. Specifically, we are starting with the streets and roads in Sukhbaatar, Chingeltei, and Bayanzurkh districts for sign renewal as an initial step. This work will be implemented in stages."

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Connecting all herder households to the fiber optic network requires 29 trillion MNT

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: montsame.mn

In Mongolia, 23.8% of the total habitable territory has been covered by ground and cellular communication networks. However, the remaining area is not connected to any network. Connecting only 60% of the total area to a mobile network would require the establishment of 28,278 base stations for a 4G network with an investment cost of approximately 11 trillion MNT. The annual operating cost would be 1.7 trillion MNT. To connect the 1,639 administrative primary units working at the local level to the fiber optic network, the distance from the aimag center to the unit would be an average of 29.7 km, and it would cost about 8 million MNT to install one kilometer of fiber optic cable. The total cost is estimated to be 292 billion MNT, and it would require 29 trillion MNT to connect all herder households to the fiber optic network. Additionally, 9.6 million USD is paid annually for leasing foreign satellites. Calculated over 15 years, this amounts to 144 million USD. Therefore, launching a national communications satellite to fully cover the region is technically feasible and economically significant.

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Society

Fire in Apartment Complexes of 'Bayangol' and 'Bayanmongol'

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

A fire broke out in an apartment complex located in the territory of the 26th district of Bayangol district the night of last Thursday. The fire was reported to emergency services around 22:20 that day, and when they arrived at the scene, part of the balcony of an apartment on the seventh floor was burning. The fire then spread to the balconies of the eighth and ninth floors. Firefighting and rescue unit 14 from Khan-Uul district and unit 10 from Chingeltei district worked for more than an hour to extinguish the fire. Residents of the complex reported difficulties in extinguishing the fire because the apartments on the seventh and eighth floors were occupied, while no one was in the apartment on the ninth floor. Officials have stated that the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but residents warned that it is common for people to smoke on the balconies, which might have caused the balcony section to catch fire. The irresponsibility of someone could lead to risks endangering many residents living in the apartment. No injuries were reported, but there was significant smoke accumulation in the apartment. In addition, on the night of the 19th of this month, a fire broke out in an apartment complex in the territory of the 36th district of the Bayanzurkh district, "Bayanmongol" complex. Emergency services received a call about the fire at 01:05 that day. The firefighters from unit 14 of the Khan-Uul district’s Emergency Department found kitchen appliances burning in an apartment. The responders rescued three children aged 3 to 17 from the fire. They also evacuated 60 people from the smoke-affected area, ensuring their safety.

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CENTRAL: New Restrictions on Alcohol Sales and Service Hours Established

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: montsame.mn

A decree was issued by the governor of Tuv aimag to establish new restrictions on the hours for selling and serving alcohol in the region of Tuv aimag. According to the decree, the hours for selling alcohol are set from 7:00 AM to 12:00 midnight, while the hours for serving alcohol are determined by the choice of the business entity, either from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM or from 2:00 PM to 4:00 AM. As a result of this decree, the decision A/350 from June 22, 2022, issued by the governor, is now invalidated. Previously, under this decision, stores with a license to sell alcohol were allowed to operate from 7:00 AM to 12:00 midnight, and establishments with a special permit to serve alcohol operated from 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM the next day.

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Media Law Forum to be Organized

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

A program to empower members of the Network of Lawyers for the Freedom of Expression was officially launched with the support of UNESCO's International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC). As part of this initiative, representatives from the Mongolian Bar Association, the Mongolian Judges Association, the Mongolian Association of Advocates, the National Human Rights Commission, the Press Institute, Amnesty International, the Globe International Center, and the Society of Law were included in a training program. Lawyers received information on Mongolia's legal regulations concerning freedom of speech and expression, its limitations, urgent issues, the right to information, and the implementation of the Law on the Transparency of Public Information. Additionally, they improved their knowledge and understanding of recommendations provided by the UN Human Rights Committee and the Human Rights Council to Mongolia, as well as their implementation. Within the scope of this program, it is planned to conduct a series of training sessions on international standards for freedom of expression and the protection of journalists' safety. Furthermore, a Media Law Forum is scheduled to be organized on the 1st of next month.

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ULE Company is Hiring a Hose Mechanic

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: ikon.mn

About Us ULE Company is the official dealer in Mongolia for the JCB brand, which is a leading national manufacturer in the UK. We are also the official dealer for Italy's Manuli, America's Parker, and Germany's HansaFlex, all of which are manufacturers of high-pressure hydraulic systems. Since 2007, we have been working steadily in the mining, road, and construction sectors of Mongolia, currently employing over 100 specialists. We have a repair, service, and manufacturing center in Ulaanbaatar, as well as 10 branch service centers nationwide. ULE is a team that aims to provide the best quality service to its customers and brings world-class business experience to the country. Follow ULE Company on social media! About the Job We are inviting energetic young people to work as hose mechanics at our branches located in rural areas and mines, working on a roster or shift basis. The job involves producing high-pressure hoses using a wide range of hydraulic hoses and fittings according to international standards. This position is distinguished by the opportunities to grow, develop, and achieve success by challenging oneself. Requirements - Degree in Mechanical Engineering - 5+ years of work experience - Experience in automotive, heavy machinery, or industrial sectors is a plus - Strong focus on safety and quality - Highly skilled in operating machinery, tools, and measuring instruments - High work ethic - Excellent communication skills - Proficient in Microsoft Office programs Salary Benefits and Other Advantages The salary we offer ranges from 3,000,000 to 8,500,000 MNT per month, depending on skills. Salary components include: - Base salary - Mine allowance - Sales bonuses - Overtime and other allowances Work with the most advanced modern equipment Opportunity to work with and learn from an experienced team, with growth and development potential in every way Application Process Please fill out our online application by October 28, 2024, using the link below. Please be as detailed as possible when completing your information. Fill out the application by clicking HERE. Applicants who qualify will be invited to the next round of interviews. Candidates who pass the second round of interviews will receive a job offer. ULE Company does not discriminate against applicants based on race, religion, age, gender, origin, or disability and offers equal opportunities to all applicants. If you have any questions, please contact us at hr@ule.mn or call 7595 0801 #5. Notice Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social, and Web pages) must mention the original source (ikon.mn) when using our information fully or partially.

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This Week in Mongolia

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: montsame.mn

In Ulaanbaatar: - Political parties in the State Great Khural (Parliament) will convene. - The musical "Loving the Silent Tears," directed by S. Battulga and featuring some of the world's best artists, will be performed on the stage of the Mongolian Opera and Ballet Theatre. - Standing committees of the State Great Khural will hold meetings. - The regular government meeting will take place in the State Palace. - A plenary session of the State Great Khural will be held. - The international scientific and theoretical-practical conference "Mineral Processing-2024" will be held. The calligraphy works for the "Eternal Sky's Script" exhibition will be received until October 25. "The Nationwide Tree Planting Autumn Days" will continue until October 26. "World Circus in Mongolia," featuring international circus performers, will continue until October 27. In the provinces: - The first meeting of the 9th term of the Soum Citizens' Representatives Khural will be held in Övörkhangai province. - A conference for women in the environmental sector in the Western region will take place in Govi-Altai province. - A "Social Responsibility" training for civil society organization and media professionals will be held in Övörkhangai province. - An open discussion on "Adaptation to Climate Change and Enhancing Local Capabilities" will be held in the Khushaat Soum of Selenge province. - The first meeting of the Citizens' Representatives Khural of Selenge province will take place. - The "Dundgovi Studies 2024" scientific conference will be held online and in person in Dundgovi province. - The inaugural meeting of the Citizens' Representatives Khural of Khovd province will be held. - The 2024 Adult Provincial Volleyball Championship will take place in Övörkhangai province. Abroad: - In the Meistersingerhalle of Nuremberg, Germany, the Mongolian National Orchestra will perform the "Beautiful Mongolia" cultural show with full ensemble for the first time. Follow @montsame.mn

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DORNOGOVI: Implementing a Project to Support Household Livelihoods

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Considering the risk conditions of the dzud (severe winter conditions) that occurred last winter and spring, a project to support the livelihoods of herders is being implemented by the provincial Governor's Office. In the first year, it was decided to provide livestock worth six million tugriks, specifically breeding female livestock, to herders in Airag, Dalanjargalan, Ikhkhet, Delgerekh, Altanshiree, and Sainshand soums who were in difficult dzud conditions and met the project criteria. Additionally, the project will organize the purchase of livestock from other soums. The applications for this project were accepted from October 3 to 9, and the selection process was based on statistical data, as approved by the working group under the governor's decree. This project to support household livelihoods is planned to continue until 2028. During last winter's dzud, unofficial figures suggest that more than half a million livestock perished across the province.

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Environment

B. Khadbaatar: Using more than 4-5kg of briquettes daily poses a risk of stove explosion

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: itoim.mn

With the start of the heating season, there have been numerous instances where citizens have suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning, risking their health, lives, and property, due to not cleaning their chimneys or blocking their vent pipes. In connection with this issue, the Ulaanbaatar City Emergency Management Agency (UBEMO) has discussed preventive measures for fire accidents and carbon monoxide poisoning. Since the beginning of the year, emergency responders have acted on 1,493 calls regarding property fires in Ulaanbaatar, saving property valued at 298 billion MNT owned by both individuals and businesses. As the heating season begins, reports of household fires are increasing. There are several reasons for these fires. For instance, in the ger district, households have not secured their chimneys, have not kept ashes and residues in sealed containers, and have overloaded electrical circuits by plugging in multiple devices simultaneously, which can cause fires. If households choose to install electric heaters in their homes or businesses with the onset of the cold season, they should follow electrical usage regulations. Winter preparations should not only be done by organizations but also by citizens. The most important is to closely inspect the sealing of stoves, chimneys, and flues, clean chimneys, improve chimney joints and dimensions, and regularly operate carbon monoxide detectors. During the cold season, the use of briquettes increases. However, stove and chimney explosions are not uncommon at this time. Improved briquettes should not exceed 4-5 kg per day for usage. Using more than 4-5 kg of briquettes can cause overheating in the stove and chimney, leading to explosion hazards. Ideally, briquettes should be burned in specialized stoves. Unfortunately, most households in the city use regular stoves to burn briquettes. Due to excessive usage, overheating leads to explosion and fire risks. Every household should regulate their heating usage without exceeding the recommended amount and maintain supervision, especially around young children, people with special needs, and the elderly. During the heating season, it is advised that you prevent carbon monoxide poisoning for yourself and your family by improving the sealing of your stoves, chimneys, and flues, and operating carbon monoxide detectors. The Ulaanbaatar City Emergency Management Agency strongly urges everyone to prevent fire hazards and accidents.

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Emergency Meeting of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Held

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: isee.mn

An emergency meeting of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change was held, during which issues to be submitted to the Government meeting and matters related to the environmental sector were discussed. Due to heavy traffic and slippery roads, some department heads were allowed to participate online. The Minister, S. Odontuya, stressed the importance of focusing on sector reform and legal environment issues, and tasked the preparation of proposals to transfer certain government functions to the private sector. Special attention was directed towards the 2025 work plan that aims to implement these changes.

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In Case of Drought, Roads Should Be Opened First

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Ulaanbaatar – During the past winter and spring, harsh weather conditions posed significant challenges for herders, primarily due to roads being blocked by thick snow. The Deputy Director of the National Emergency Management Agency, Brigadier General B. Uuganbayar, emphasized this issue during the "Ready for Winter and Spring?" meeting organized by the United Nations, UNESCO, NEMA, and the Journalists' Club for Sustainable Development last week. He noted that opening roads and passes is the primary concern when severe weather conditions arise. Last winter, 138,000 kilometers of roads were traversed and opened, enabling children to attend school, medical services to reach rural populations, and herders to receive fodder and supplies. As emergency service workers cleared snow-covered roads in rural areas, herders were able to obtain fodder, and residents could access county centers for supplies, demonstrating the critical importance of maintaining open roads. Therefore, when preparing for winter, road clearance should be prioritized. Risk assessments revealed that during last winter and spring, 40,590 households across the country faced fodder shortages, while 5,599 households in 16 provinces lacked sufficient food. Additionally, 4,604 households needed firewood and fuel, and healthcare services were required for 13,677 households. At the "Ready for Winter and Spring?" meeting, specialists from relevant organizations participated, providing detailed information on winter and spring preparations for animal husbandry, measures to mitigate risks associated with harsh weather, and lessons learned from past experiences. For instance, L. Oyun-Jargal, the head of the Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring Agency, provided weather forecasts for the coming month. He cautioned that temperatures in November are expected to be colder than the average of many past years, urging herders to prepare adequately for the winter. According to the latest update, the nationwide reserves of fodder and feed are currently at 80% of capacity, as reported by G. Naranchuluun, head of the Department for Implementation of Livestock Policy of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry. He indicated that regarding pasture capacity for the winter and spring of 2024-2025, 70% of the region's pastures will be adequate, while 30% will be overused. Specifically, winter and spring pasture loads are at 47%, with 20% of areas exhibiting sufficient pasture resources. In 21% of areas, pasture loads exceed capacity by 1-3 times, in 4% by 3-5 times, and in 8% by multiple times. Overall, the condition of pastures and autumn grazing was reported as good in about 70% of regions, poor in about 10%, and average in approximately 20%.

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Innovation

Business Incubator Center Opened

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

Within the framework of the "Emeelt Eco Industrial Park" project, a business incubator and industrial training center was constructed in the 13th district of Khan-Uul district and was inaugurated last Friday. The center was built with the aim of promoting small and medium-sized enterprises and supporting the improvement of the synergy between local businesses and industries. The building of the center is four stories high and includes a waiting room, a cafeteria, offices, and rooms for training and exhibitions. The center was constructed by the "Gurvan Bulag Sod" company with funding from the city budget.

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Health

Hospitals Run Out of Supplies, Treatment and Services Start to Falter

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

All national health organizations are experiencing a shortage of human resources, causing healthcare and services to falter and quality to decline. The Health Insurance Fund (HIF) owes hospitals many billions of tugriks. Due to this, hospitals constantly run out of medicines, injections, and high-capacity apparatus reagents, and the supply of other tools is also disrupted, as our newspaper warned with the article "Hospitals Returning to 1990 Level." The HIF's debt to hospitals reached 218.3 billion tugriks last year, a 3.6-fold increase from 2022. As the insurance fund doesn't pay its debts, hospitals can't even procure gloves and masks, nor can they provide performance bonuses or overtime pay to doctors, a doctor from the Khan-Uul District Health Center whistle-blowed. However, it is not just one case; the entire sector is in financial crisis. Doctors and specialists following the Khan-Uul District Health Center doctor, who spoke to the press about not having square towels for women's examination beds and being unable to conduct pap smear tests, share their concerns that the situation is the same at other hospitals. Comments such as "What does it mean to cut one's coat to line the examination bed in the 21st century?" and "There is no funding, you must manage without gloves or bedsheets?" were voiced in confusion. During a parliamentary session, when asked about these issues, the Health Minister T. Munkhsaihan said that it was just poor management by the Khan-Uul Health Center's leadership, implying it was not his responsibility. In response, the Head of the Khan-Uul District Health Center issued a statement detailing mask and glove supplies and financing. The Health Center uses 24,000-36,000 disposable gloves annually. Previously, they purchased each glove for an average of 250 tugriks. However, under previous leadership, gloves were priced at 650 tugriks each, with 860,000 pairs bought for 483.9 million tugriks in 2022, and 1.3 million pairs bought for 848.7 million tugriks last year. This year’s first quarter saw 355,000 pairs contracted for 220.7 million tugriks. However, the new head A. Suvdaa stated that no such surplus of gloves was available in the hospital’s stock. Thus, the Authority for Combating Corruption has been contacted as it may be a case of misuse of budgetary funds and money laundering offenses. A city health agency announced an audit of the center in relation to this matter. In any case, it is true that doctors and nurses were left without gloves or examination disposables, although services were reportedly restored to normal conditions.

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Sports

FACT: A Discrepancy of 42 Billion Found in the Committee for Olympic and Public Physical Education and Sports Managed by Champion B. Bat-Erdene

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: isee.mn

The financial consolidated report and budget execution for 2023 of the overall budget director have been audited. Specifically, within this framework, an audit was conducted on the financial situation, financial performance, net assets, changes in property, cash flow statements, clarifications, and budget execution of organizations under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Mongolia and the Chairman of the National Committee for Olympic and Public Physical Education and Sports, as of December 31, 2023. Despite having a budget cost of 110 billion MNT, discrepancies of 50% or 42 billion MNT were found. Queries were raised with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism regarding this issue. An audit examination revealed discrepancies amounting to 42,861.29 million MNT. Additionally, financial reporting did not meet the established materiality threshold of 974.9 million MNT and failed to be consistent, appropriate, existent, comprehensive, or supported by a declaration of rights and obligations. For instance, investment projects and measures for 12 buildings, which had a budget funding of 12,325.1 million MNT and were sanctioned by the law for the general manager's package and transferred to the governor's office budgets, were directly transferred by the Ministry of Finance. The general manager did not fulfill the supervisory duties as required by law. Projects and measures funded through Mongolia's state budget for 2022 and 2023 have stopped entirely, with a total of 1,172.5 million MNT still placed in collateral accounts and not consolidated into the state budget. The National Committee for Physical Education and Sport did not oversee the financial execution of 2,620.8 million MNT disbursed under agreements within the preparations for the "International Youth Green Games" and did not conclude it within the timeframe. A total of 1,005.2 million MNT was spent on goods, work, and services that exceeded the highest direct purchase threshold and were not approved in the procurement plan. Transactions were made with incomplete primary documents, incorrect classifications were recorded, inventories were not taken, and approved budgets were transferred and spent beyond designated purposes, leading to discrepancies totaling 2,522.9 million MNT. Additionally, in the scope of implementing the National "Healthy Mongolian Person" movement, the long-term development policy "Vision 2050" of Mongolia, and the Government's action plan for 2020-2024, several events were organized with a budget of 19.2 billion MNT. These include the "Let's Make Time" physical training event, "Healthy Mongolian Person" national festival, "Ulaanbaatar 2023" East Asian Youth Games, "Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam 2023" judo tournament qualifying for the Olympic Games, and the Summer World Olympics. In an interview given to the media, a Member of Parliament stated, “Olympic and Public Physical Education and Sports Minister B. Bat-Erdene has resigned. The ministry has now been transferred to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth. Yet, the State Committee for Physical Education and Sports had a budget expenditure of over 110 billion MNT, and at the end of 2023, an audit imposed a penalty of 42.8 billion MNT. In other words, a discrepancy equal to half of the total budget was found, but nobody talks about it. Thus, we raised a query with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth.”

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Arts

Gallery LHAM Confirms Mongolia's Contemporary Art Success in Europe

Published: 2024-10-21 | Translated from: news.mn

The 10th anniversary of Asia NOW, the largest Asian art festival held annually in Paris, France, will occur in 2024. For the first time, Gallery LHAM represented Mongolia at this event, alongside painter B. Baatarzorig’s Mongolian artworks, attracting great interest and leaving a significant impact on viewers, as noted by the gallery's team. Gallery LHAM is Mongolia's first international contemporary gallery, pioneering in the field with exhibitions that meet global standards and a team of art professionals, curating each exhibition with international-level curators as its specialty. "Asia NOW is not just LHAM Gallery's success; it was a significant event that demonstrated the quality and innovation of Mongolian contemporary art to internationally renowned professionals on the world stage. This has been one of the major steps in helping Mongolian artists participate in international exhibitions and promote their works," explained Gallery LHAM. Over the past 10 years, the Asia NOW art festival has united art collectors, museum and gallery curators, directors, and art enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing how Asian contemporary art is evolving and progressing.

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Today's Stories

Politics

Economy

Diplomacy

Infrastructure

Society

Environment

Innovation

Health

Sports

Arts

Politics

The Mayor of the City, Kh. Nyambaatar, May Have Pledged the "Road Fund" as Collateral for the "Capital City" Bond

The IPU's Human Rights Committee of Parliamentarians Investigates the Case of S. Zorig

How the Anti-Corruption Law Reform Has Started to Implement

Parliament Member O. Nominchimeg Elected as a Member of the IPU Special Committee on Human Rights of Parliamentarians

Member of Parliament O. Nominchimeg Elected as the First Mongolian Member of the IPU's Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians

Economy

Possibility of Exporting Meat, Wool, Cashmere, and Leather Products from Mongolia to Pakistan

"Mineral Processing-2024" International Conference to be held in Ulaanbaatar

Amending the MNCCI Law Will Create Opportunities to Limit Government Interference in Business

"Mineral Processing-2024" International Conference to be Held

Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Extraordinary XXII Congress to Elect President

G. Enkhbat: We are offering a green bond of high significance to the society and economy

The Market Valuation of Companies' Securities Increased by 1.8 Trillion MNT

Mongolian Economy Like a Patchy Bomb Ready to Blow in Any Direction

Electricity and Heating Price Increase Will Impact Inflation by Less Than One Percent

Who Will Be Appointed as the Next President of the MNCCI?

New Legal Framework for the MNCCI to Limit State Intervention in Business

Electricity and Heating Price Increase to Affect Inflation by Less Than One Percent, Experts Say

Electricity and Heat Price Increases Will Affect Inflation By Less Than One Percent, Report Says

Electricity and heat price increase expected to have less than one percent impact on inflation

Diplomacy

"China Energy" Group Expresses Interest in Sustainable Long-term Cooperation with Mongolia

Mongolia is the country with the shortest air route from Asia to Europe and America

Infrastructure

D.Altantsetseg: The Oil Refinery Project Has Not Stopped. $251 Million in Funding Has Been Used

Public Transport Bus Service to "Chinggis Khaan" International Airport Launched

R.Erdeneburen: We will start pressuring to get rid of used cars with steering wheels on the wrong side

76% of Habitable Land in Our Country is not Connected to Any Network

Peacekeepers begin traveling by national airline

Enforcement of Standards for Outdoor Signs and Advertisements

Connecting all herder households to the fiber optic network requires 29 trillion MNT

Society

Fire in Apartment Complexes of 'Bayangol' and 'Bayanmongol'

CENTRAL: New Restrictions on Alcohol Sales and Service Hours Established

Media Law Forum to be Organized

ULE Company is Hiring a Hose Mechanic

This Week in Mongolia

DORNOGOVI: Implementing a Project to Support Household Livelihoods

Environment

B. Khadbaatar: Using more than 4-5kg of briquettes daily poses a risk of stove explosion

Emergency Meeting of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Held

In Case of Drought, Roads Should Be Opened First

Innovation

Business Incubator Center Opened

Health

Hospitals Run Out of Supplies, Treatment and Services Start to Falter

Sports

FACT: A Discrepancy of 42 Billion Found in the Committee for Olympic and Public Physical Education and Sports Managed by Champion B. Bat-Erdene

Arts

Gallery LHAM Confirms Mongolia's Contemporary Art Success in Europe

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