Oct 25, 2024 61 min read Daily News Summaries

Mongolia News Summary for October 25, 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

Prime Minister to Report on Port Recovery Policy Implementation

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The Prime Minister will report on the implementation of the Port Recovery Policy included in the "New Recovery Policy" tomorrow. There will be a session of the State Great Khural (Parliament) tomorrow. At the beginning of the session, the 2025 budget proposal will be discussed. Afterwards, Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene will provide an update on the implementation of the Port Recovery Policy included in the "New Recovery Policy." He participated in the expanded meeting of the heads of government of the member and observer countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and worked in the People's Republic of China on the 21st of this month on his way back. During this time, he met with Liu Guoyue, Chairman of the Board of Directors of China Energy Group. On April 2, 2024, an agreement was made between the Government of Mongolia and the Government of the People's Republic of China on jointly building the cross-border railway bridge of the Gashuunsukhait-Gants Mod port. Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene expressed his proposal to accelerate the construction of the border connection and the bridge building project. Liu Guoyue, Chairman of the Board of Directors of China Energy Group, expressed support for this proposal and indicated interest in implementing a stable, long-term cooperative relationship with Mongolia.

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B. Enkhbayar: The Government is Taking Away the Parliament's Exclusive Right to Exempt Taxes

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: ikon.mn

During today's meeting of the Standing Committee on Budget of the State Great Khural, the draft laws submitted by the government in connection with the 2025 budget were discussed. Members' questions and answers related to the issue under discussion were presented. Member of the State Great Khural, B. Enkhbayar, stated that the draft law amending the law on corporate income tax submitted by the government in connection with the draft law on the 2025 budget does not comply with the Constitution of Mongolia. Article 25.1 of the Constitution of Mongolia states that the State Great Khural can initiate and discuss any issue of the state's foreign and domestic policy, holding exclusive rights to decide on issues related to state finance, loans, and taxes. Exclusive rights mean that these are not shared with anyone, not transferred to others, and only the State Great Khural exercises them. However, according to Article 22.5.22 of the above-mentioned law, it is proposed to exempt the income generated from the main operations of projects that replace imports and support exports aligned with the regional development policy of Mongolia by 90% for 5 years starting from the next reporting period after the income is generated from January 1, 2025. The list of activities, projects, and programs eligible for tax benefits and the percentage of exemption will be determined by the government. This matter is largely under the purview of the Minister of Finance. It is unclear and vague which projects and which incomes that align with the regional development concept are slated for exemption. Thus, the government is attempting to take away the parliament's exclusive right to exempt taxes by setting a general provision, which is seen as legal theft. Such exclusive rights of the parliament should not be taken away in a dark, general, and unclear manner, as this could lead to corruption. Head of the Tax Policy Department of the Ministry of Finance, B. Telmuun, noted that there are over 30 tax laws. Within the rights granted by law, the parliament can determine tax rates, approve the classification system of goods to be exempt from taxation, and approve the names of projects eligible for benefits and exemptions from 1992 onward. Therefore, the parliament is transferring its authority to the government through tax law, and no constitutional violation should arise. Member of the State Great Khural, B. Enkhbayar, voiced concern that the authority to determine taxes has slipped out of the hands of the parliament. The Tax Dispute Settlement Council established by the Minister of Finance is only deciding whether to collect 300 billion tugriks in tax from "PetroChina Daqing Tamsag." Behind this, corruption is discussed and remains unchecked, with law enforcement not involved in tax levying. Minister of Finance, B. Javkhlan, stated that the General Department of Taxation participates in many court hearings on disputed issues in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance. Regarding the issue with "PetroChina Daqing Tamsag," the government has won in every court. The minister emphasized that by defending the actions taken by tax inspectors, victories are achieved, and the government has not lost on disputed tax issues.

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The Prime Minister to Provide Information on Port Revival Implementation at Tomorrow's Parliamentary Session

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: isee.mn

The autumn session of the State Great Khural has not yet been set. However, it will convene tomorrow, Friday. At this session, Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene will participate and provide information on the Port Revival issue being implemented within the framework of the New Revival Policy.

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Women's Representation in 2024 Elections

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: ikon.mn

According to the 2024 election results, women's representation at the province and capital level increased by 11.2%, while it decreased by 1.1% at the county and district level. The National Gender Committee is reporting preliminary results of the provincial, capital, county, and district people's representative council elections, compared to previous years based on gender. The provincial and capital people's representative councils have 796 seats. Of these, 27.5% of the elected representatives are women, and 72.5% are men. The county and district people's representative councils have 6,922 seats, with 28.1% of elected representatives being women and 71.9% men. Since 2020, the National Gender Committee has been compiling and reporting the "Yearly Report on Gender Balance of Representatives in Provincial, Capital, County, and District People's Councils" using a unified program based on forms and instructions approved by the National Statistics Committee. According to the 2023 report, 16.3% of elected representatives in the provincial and capital councils were women and 83.7% were men, while 29.2% of elected representatives in county and district councils were women and 70.8% were men. Comparing the 2024 election results with the previous year's data, women's representation at the province and capital level increased by 11.2%, while there is a 1.1% decrease at the county and district level. The report on gender balance among representatives of the 2024 provincial, capital, county, and district councils will be finalized and publicly reported by the National Gender Committee by March 1, 2025. Warning: Media organizations (television, radio, social media, and web pages) must cite the information source when using our information in any form, whether in whole or in part.

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Trial Postponed for J. Puntsag Concerning Allegations of Bribery in Freight Train Queue Manipulation

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: isee.mn

The court hearing regarding the case against J. Puntsag, the head of the Internal Audit Department of Ulaanbaatar Railway (UBTZ), has been postponed once again. This follows allegations made nearly two years ago when the Anti-Corruption Agency detained him for investigation on January 19, 2022. J. Puntsag is suspected of being involved in manipulating the order and sequence of freight train loads and committing bribery and abuse of power. The trial was initially scheduled to take place on the 23rd of this month, but it has been delayed again. Specifically, the hearing has been postponed until the 28th of this month at the request of the defendant's lawyer.

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Economy

5 trillion investment needed in education sector

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: news.mn

Standing committees of the State Great Khural (Parliament) of Mongolia are holding their meetings today. During this session, the Minister of Education P. Naranbayar provided details about next year's budget. - The government of Mongolia has submitted the draft budget to the State Great Khural. How much is allocated to the education sector in the following year's budget? - A total of 4.8 trillion MNT is allocated, 88% of which will be spent on current expenditures. - The size of current expenditures is increasing each year. According to the Finance Minister's information, there will be no cuts in the education sector in the following year's budget. However, members of the standing committee believe that the allocated budget for the education sector is insufficient. What is your position on this? - Education is a priority sector. Investment in education will lead to economic growth. This year, the investment budget includes full funding to complete approximately 162 schools and kindergartens. This is work that extends over the years. There is no possibility to introduce new projects. This is because the government has introduced only about 38 new projects this year. The Ministry of Education and Science has split off as a separate entity, causing some budgets related to science to be transferred to the Ministry of Economy and Development. The reason for the increase in current expenditures is related to the growth in the number of children. About 20 thousand children are added each year. In other words, the children born during the periods of high birth rates are now enrolling in schools. This situation will continue until 2038. Quite frankly, there is a shortage. - How many new schools and kindergartens need to be put into operation each year to accommodate the growing number of children? Will classes continue to be held in three shifts until 2038? - A calculation shows that 5 trillion MNT is needed to solve this. This is a significant amount of money. In reality, even schools with two shifts face difficulties in nurturing and educating children. A single-shift school is one where a child comes to school in the morning, has lunch, attends extracurricular activities in the afternoon, and returns home. However, in Mongolia, schools with two shifts constitute 88%. Therefore, we should aim for a comprehensive solution and eventually convert all schools to single-shift. In parallel, the issue of teacher shortages also arises. - It is evaluated that there is a shortage of about 4,000 teachers nationwide, but in reality, it is discussed that the shortage is more than that, possibly around 7,800 teachers. How appropriate is it to discuss quality of education when there is a lack of personnel? - The quality of education starts with a good environment and a good teacher. The environment includes meeting the educational standards. To meet educational standards, as I mentioned earlier, the level of investment needed is similar. It would be correct to implement it as one mega-project as suggested by some members of the State Great Khural. However, we will do it in phases. This year's budget is going towards energy and infrastructure. If we do not address this state of energy shortfall, there will be no economic growth, and there will be a shortage of schools and kindergartens. Therefore, I support the government's initiative to invest the budget in infrastructure.

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Hannes Takash: We Are Ready to Invest in and Finance Renewable Energy

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The Mongolian-American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) held its autumn meeting today at the “Blue Sky” Hotel with the theme “Accelerating the Energy Transition.” Participants in the meeting agreed that the key driver and lever of energy transition in Mongolia is to develop and increase the renewable energy sector. However, there is a need for investment in developing renewable energy, and this was a focus of the discussions by industry experts today. Shannon Cowlin, the Resident Representative and Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), mentioned that unlike countries with limited energy resources, Mongolia has both a wealth of renewable energy resources and a market to supply in Southeast Asia. The issue, however, is that decisions regarding the development of this sector are progressing slowly. Cowlin emphasized that the renewable energy sector in Mongolia can develop through public-private partnerships and collaboration, but long-term government policy and planning are crucial. Supporting the private sector with concessional loans, government guarantees, and implementing green loan principles can attract investment into this sector, leading to competitive price reductions. The introduction of new technologies is important, as exemplified by the ADB's battery storage power plant project. Richard Buangan, the Ambassador of the United States to Mongolia, noted that the Government of Mongolia is focusing on diversifying the energy sector and transitioning away from coal. However, this cannot be resolved overnight. There are many steps to be taken in freeing up sector pricing, establishing real cost-based competition, determining which energy sources such as water, solar, and wind will be prioritized, and upgrading the grid system. Hannes Takash, the Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in Mongolia, stated that a stable legal environment is essential for the effective development of the renewable energy sector, citing Uzbekistan as an example. He said that they are ready to invest in and finance projects and programs in Mongolia's renewable energy sector, as it has significant benefits such as replacing conventional energy methods and protecting the environment.

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M. Mandkhai: The Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry Will Provide ₮554 Billion in Subsidies to the Private Sector

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The Standing Committee on Environment, Food, and Agriculture is discussing the budget issue for 2025 in today’s meeting. Based on the discussions, questions and answers from the members are being presented. Member of Parliament M. Mandkhai said: The Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry's (FALI) expenses have increased by MNT 188.7 billion or 26.4 percent from the previous year's budget revision according to the 2025 budget proposal, and by 541 billion or 150 percent compared to the 2023 execution. The reason for this expense increase is due to the rise in current expenses and subsidies given to private sector organizations from the state budget. The budget allocated to private sector organizations is MNT 117.2 billion in 2023, MNT 337.4 billion in 2024, and MNT 554 billion, or more than half a trillion, for the 2025 proposal. Are these increasing subsidies from the state budget adequately covering each citizen and business entity? What tangible economic growth is expected in the agriculture sector from these subsidies? There are three categories within current expenditures that draw attention. Expenditure on other goods and services is set to be MNT 98.7 billion, other service charges MNT 7.7 billion, and normative expenses MNT 28.6 billion. Why has this figure increased? It's not possible to see a breakdown of these normative expenses from this year. Minister of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry J. Enkhbayar said: The state is reducing government involvement in all dimensions for this sector. We support the private sector 100 percent. All this money goes to the private sector. Remember the pandemic period. In just one month's delay, Mongolia faced a situation of entering a goods rationing system. This was how weak our food security was. Therefore, we are providing all kinds of support to the private sector in a broad way using favorable mining cycles for a short period. Pastoral animal husbandry and crop production are the main sources for light industry and food production's basic raw materials. I have an MNT 5.9 billion new investment. This contains no particular agriculture innovation measures. We are also working with many international donors to develop a unified electronic agriculture platform. Production and numerical data in the herder’s household will be open to the public. Finance Minister B. Javkhlan said: Five categories of products in the agriculture sector — wool, hides, vegetables, milk, and wheat — receive incentives. In recent years, food product incentives have shown the best results. The Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry’s current expenses shouldn't be understood as the ministry staff's current expenses. It means funding four major programs implemented across the country by this ministry. Warning to media organizations: (TV, Radio, Social, and Websites) You must mention the source (ikon.mn) when using our information, fully or partially, in any form.

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J. Enkhbayar: 77 Billion Loan Interest Subsidies Will Be Provided to Production

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: news.mn

At today's meeting of the Standing Committee on Environment, Food, and Agriculture of the State Great Khural, the second discussion of the draft budget of Mongolia for 2025 and the accompanying projects is being held. Member of Parliament M. Mandhai said: - The involvement of cooperatives in the Agricultural Exchange has been insufficient. According to the project, the number will be increased to a total of 26,000 cooperatives. The Government's Action Plan for 2024-2028 states that animal husbandry products will be exported through the exchange. Will this be linked with the "Food Revolution" and "White Gold" programs? I did not see any budget related to expanding the scope of the Agricultural Exchange in next year's budget. The budget package of the Minister of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry for 2025 has increased by 541 billion MNT or 150% compared to 2023. The reason for the increase in expenses is due to the increase in current expenses and subsidies granted to the private sector. A budget of 554 billion or half a trillion was set for subsidies to the private sector. Is this subsidy effective? What tangible growth will the agricultural sector see from the subsidies? There are three categories within current repairs that draw attention. The payment for work and services performed by others is 98.7 billion, other expenses for goods, work, and services is 7.7 billion, and the normative expenses are 28.6 billion. What is the reason for the increase? Minister of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry J. Enkhbayar said: - Subsidies were previously given to the leather industry, and this has been ongoing for about 10 years. There is no overlap, and it is implemented as it was. The government's intervention in the agriculture and light industry sectors is limited in all areas. We support only the private sector 100%, and all the money here will go to the private sector. Please recall the situation with COVID-19, when a single month’s delay placed Mongolia at risk of entering into a card system rationing. Food security was so fragile and weak. The country was 100% dependent on imports. After relying excessively on mining, the nation abandoned growing, farming, and producing. This clearly led to severe risks, which is why the "Food Revolution" and "White Gold" programs were created. Therefore, using favorable conditions in the mining sector, comprehensive support is being provided to the private sector in a short time. Light industry and food production are using raw materials mainly from animal husbandry and crop farming. For the first time, a comprehensive set of four unified policies is being pursued. The Agricultural Exchange will play a special role here. Why we are cooperativizing herders is because we consider the initial participants of the Agricultural Exchange to be the cooperatized farmers, herders, and agriculturists. All the information on the agricultural raw materials prepared there will pass through the exchange to connect it with production. If you remember, in the early 1990s, crude cashmere used to be loaded and somehow exported across the border. The Agricultural Exchange has now reached the level where 10% of cashmere export can be fully controlled. We recently conducted grain trading successfully. We harvested our crops, balanced our output, and conducted grain trading. Feed factories, dairy farms, and companies purchase seeds, and flour factories buy grains, after which we determine our surpluses and deficiencies. Now we will regulate oilseed exports, ensuring everything passes through the Agricultural Exchange for verification. There are significant export opportunities in Mongolia's agriculture sector. Regarding the budget, I have a new investment of 5.9 billion MNT. There’s an ongoing budget of about 40 billion MNT for building construction. No new agricultural improvement measures are included in the newly set 5.9 billion MNT investment. In response to demands for results, within the "White Gold" program, a 25.4 billion incentive for wool, and 10 billion MNT for leather has been allocated. Interest subsidies for working and investment loans in the sector will total 77 billion MNT. This itself is stimulating 1.5 trillion in loans. It means that one tögrög is driving 10. In the sector this year, exports increased by 1 trillion MNT, and imports decreased by 260 billion. The amount of income from exports will continue to grow. Our policy is comprehensive, and rewards are granted for milk delivered to factories and skins delivered to factories. No rewards will be given if used in personal or other unregulated circumstances. High returns are being achieved, and there has never been a comprehensive nationwide agricultural sector policy before. Everyone from wool, cashmere, leather, fruits and vegetables to herders, farmers, and dairy producers is moving and active. In view of the challenging external conditions, we are quickly working to develop domestic production to a certain level and meet our needs domestically.

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D. Sumiyabazar, who failed to become director of Erdenet Factory, might be appointed as director of Erdenes Mongol LLC

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: isee.mn

Following the results of the parliamentary elections, a new parliament and government have been formed, and new appointments are taking place across all institutions. Appointments that were actively being made were temporarily postponed due to coinciding with the budget amendment and local elections. However, now that the local elections have passed, ministers will soon be appointed to positions that were held by deputy ministers, and appointments for the state-owned companies, such as Erdenet SMC, Erdenes Mongol LLC, and the State Property Policy Coordination Agency, are likely to be made. These appointments will begin with appointing the executive director of Erdenes Mongol LLC. Although the director of the Cabinet Secretariat, N. Uchral, declared that foreign management will be introduced to Erdenes Mongol LLC to operate efficiently, the executive director will still be appointed from our side. Today, some media reported that the former mayor of the city, D. Sumiyabazar, Deputy Minister of Education and Science, G. Ganbayar, and former CEO of Erdenes Oyu Tolgoi, N. Tserenbat, may be appointed to this position. For D. Sumiyabazar, there is information that he is striving for the position at Erdenes Mongol LLC after failing to become the director of Erdenet Factory. It is said that the Speaker of Parliament D. Amarbaysgalan supports G. Ganbayar. As for N. Tserenbat, he previously worked as the Minister of Environment and Tourism, the CEO of Erdenes Oyu Tolgoi, and as a board member of Oyu Tolgoi. He might be appointable as he may have an understanding with Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene. There is also information that he might be appointed as the CEO of Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi JSC. Furthermore, there are discussions in political circles that the current executive director of Erdenes Mongol LLC, S. Narantsogt, might be appointed as the head of the State Property Policy Coordination Agency, and its director B. Tsengel might be appointed as the head of Erdenet Factory.

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Perspective: The Impact of Two Elections on the Dollar Exchange Rate

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: news.mn

After the Covid-19 pandemic, the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar, which had been stable for a year since October 2023, has recently increased. Specifically, the dollar, which was about 3390 MNT, has increased by 35 MNT to 3425 MNT over 14 days. What are the reasons for the increase in the dollar exchange rate, and what are the potential consequences if it continues to rise? We bring you the perspectives of economists. ECONOMIST R. DAVAADORJ: This year, the volume of imports has increased. In other words, the outflow of foreign currency has increased. In my view, the expansionary fiscal policy's outcomes are reflected in the exchange rate. Last year, a 22% budget increase was approved from the 2023 budget. The 22.4 trillion MNT budget approved in 2023 has ballooned to 27.4 trillion and, with amendments, to 30.6 trillion MNT in 2024. The negative outcome of this eight-trillion increase in just one year is now impacting the exchange rate. Last year, during the budget approval process, warnings were issued that the heavily expanded 2024 budget would lead to exchange rate increases and inflation. The ruling party distributed a large sum of money into the market in the name of increasing salaries and pensions to attract voters' favor for the upcoming parliamentary elections, which has now shown its effects after just one quarter. The rise and fall of the exchange rate can only be explained by the economic fundamentals of supply and demand. A rising exchange rate signals a shortage of foreign currency in the market. Seventy percent of Mongolia's total imports are made in U.S. dollars, and imported goods make up 40% of the consumer basket. Therefore, the strengthening of foreign currency, especially the dollar against the MNT, will cause the prices of imported and consumer goods to rise, affecting the livelihood of middle to lower-income citizens. Moreover, it will be a heavy burden on business owners who bear the country's tax burden, particularly those with dollar-denominated debts, and will negatively impact the country's economic growth. Of course, this will affect the country's currency reserves, which are already difficult to consider sufficient. At the beginning of the year, the foreign currency reserves were 5.2 billion USD, now reduced to 4.6 billion. We must avoid excess spending from the budget and not allocate all extra revenue from rising commodity prices to the budget. Instead, we should allocate more to stabilization and savings funds to prevent potential economic difficulties and crises. However, almost no one listens to this among the authorities. Their short-sighted decisions and lack of basic economic knowledge become more apparent over time. In the past eight years, Mongolia has missed a beautiful opportunity to stand at the starting line of new development. The exchange rate reflects a country's fundamental economic indicators and the policies implemented by the government. It is not fair to solely blame the operations of the Bank of Mongolia for the increase. Government decisions made without thorough calculations significantly contribute to the weakening exchange rate. Today, with an extremely expanded budget, the central bank stands at a crossroads of tightening monetary policy to combat inflation or easing monetary policy to support the economy. At a time when businesses are cash-strapped, the Bank of Mongolia should lower the policy interest rate. However, on the other hand, the risks of rising prices and inflation become greater. In this situation, the central bank has no choice but to shift to the worst-case scenario of monetary policy, meaning significantly tightening monetary policy. Therefore, the central bank's policy interest rate remains in the double digits. If the very expanded 2025 budget is adopted and implemented as is, it will inevitably lead to further exchange rate increases and difficulties in the operations of private businesses, resulting in increased unemployment. Additionally, if the coal price declines, it will become impossible to pay salaries and pensions from next year. The sharp increase in budget expenditure and the launch of several large infrastructure projects will increase imports and foreign currency outflows, worsening the balance of payments. The central bank securities have reached almost 10 trillion MNT. In other words, the size of the central bank securities accounts for one-fourth of the total money circulating in the market. This situation results in the central bank paying almost 1.2 trillion MNT (with a policy interest rate of 10%) in interest annually to commercial banks. If this large amount of money were circulated by businesses, it would have significantly contributed to Mongolia's economy. I want to emphasize here that government mispolicy is a major factor influencing the exchange rate. ECONOMIST G. BATZORIG: Whether the dollar exchange rate will continue to rise should be assessed by looking at macroeconomic factors. No one can say for sure whether it will increase or not. Rumors could increase the risk of a rise in the exchange rate. Therefore, if you do not look at the fundamentals, there is a risk of the exchange rate rising again due to expectations. Mongolia's consumer economy is growing. As a consumer economy, demand for exchange rates constantly exists. However, the annual rate of exchange rate growth varies depending on the year's consumption. The foreign currency reserves are at 4.9 billion USD, indicating that the net reserves are high. The central bank has repaid a significant portion of the swap agreement with the People's Bank of China. Nearly 60 million tons of coal have been exported this year. After being stagnant since July, coal exports have revived. Thus, the inflow of foreign currency into Mongolia remains steady. This year, elections for the parliament and local councils were held, leading to significant expansion of budget expenditure. The expansion of budget expenditure has been a burden on the economy. This is evident now. If the dollar exchange rate continues to rise, it will negatively impact citizens' purchasing power. In other words, the prices of imported and domestic goods will increase. As a result, the living standards of citizens will continue to decline. The rise or fall of the dollar exchange rate will primarily depend on export goods. For example, the main contributors to Mongolia's economy are mining products and coal. Therefore, it is crucial to continuously export these products abroad. ECONOMIST CH. SOSORBARAM: This year, two elections were held nationwide. Before the elections, or at the macroeconomic level, the economy was relatively stable. According to foreign trade reports, Mongolia imported more as of the third quarter this year. In other words, exports increased by 4.3%, while imports increased by about 30%. For instance, 93,000 passenger cars were imported by the third quarter this year. The U.S. dollar exchange rate was relatively stable at the beginning of the year. I believe the current increase is due to the impact of buying behavior supporting imported goods earlier in the year. Seasonal factors also cannot be denied. Last year, over 40 million tons of coal were exported. This year, more than 60 million tons of coal have been exported, but the difference in their total value is not significant. Currently, the foreign currency reserve covers 4-5 months. There is talk of adopting an overly expansive budget for 2025. This will likely increase the pressure on the exchange rate. The inclusion of large mega projects in next year's budget is good. However, it is not possible to launch them all simultaneously without prioritizing. This is very risky. The projects need to provide quick returns.

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"If the funds are kept safely, it doesn't matter if there's no yield"

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The Finance Committee of the State Great Khural is in session at the State Palace. Member of Parliament B. Tuvshin stated, "The Future Heritage Fund and the Savings Fund should be increased by 2.3 trillion tögrög this year. How much is the current balance of these funds, and what will the total be after adding 2.3 trillion? Where and how is the calculated yield recorded for this? Please provide information on where and what type of yield-generating investments have been made with these fund monies." The Ministry of Finance reported that the total balance of the Future Heritage Fund is expected to reach 3.9 trillion tögrög by the end of this year. The current balance is equal to 3.6 trillion tögrög. Of the Future Heritage Fund, 1.8 trillion tögrög is in the central bank's dollar account, and 1.8 trillion is in the state treasury. This will be placed in the central bank's dollar account by 2024. The balance of the Savings Fund is 499.5 billion tögrög. Next year, the fund's balance is expected to reach 1 trillion 61.6 billion tögrög. Finance Minister B. Javkhlan stated, "It is correct to understand that the money is 100% in the central bank. We have a bitter history of losing, attracted by promises of high returns when the funds were placed in banks that claimed to offer high yields but ultimately were lost. Therefore, we have completely stopped placing money in risky banks over the past five years. Thus, the money is placed in the central bank. Funds comprised of budget money need to be safe, as well as liquid. If these two conditions are met, then yield can be sought afterward. If it's kept safely, then it's fine even if we don't seek yield."

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Diplomacy

Discussion on 'Cooperation for Sustainable Development' Held

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: montsame.mn

A discussion on "Cooperation for Sustainable Development" was held today at the office of the United Nations' Resident Representative in Mongolia. The discussion was moderated by S. Bayasgalan, Secretary General of the Mongolian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Presenters included Helmut Rudolf Kulitz, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to Mongolia; G. Lkhamsuren, Founder and Director of ICT Group JSC; H. Amarjargal, CEO of Rio Tinto Mongolia; Lin Cao, Deputy Resident Representative of the UN Development Programme (UNDP); N. Sergelen, Deputy Executive Director of Trade and Development Bank, among others. The presentation by H. Amarjargal, CEO of Rio Tinto Mongolia, covered how the company is implementing projects and programs within the scope of social responsibility according to international standards. For instance, they have initiated and begun operating a Business Information Center. Additionally, they have developed a children's park in a green manner according to international standards. As a result, the area has become a comfortable place for local people to spend their leisure time. In general, it is emphasized that conducting activities in accordance with international standards is a feature that attracts foreign investment, which is considered the essence of sustainable development.

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Selenge: Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Delegates Visit Selenge Province

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Representatives from Jeju Special Self-Governing Province of South Korea are visiting Selenge Province.

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L. Oyun-Erdene: The United Nations is a platform for sovereign states to express themselves and a free meeting point

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: montsame.mn

On United Nations (UN) Day, Mongolia's Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene visited the organization, extending congratulations to its members. The UN was established on October 24, 1945, to uphold international law, economic and social development, and human rights, representing a significant advancement for the peaceful coexistence of the world's nations and humanity. Mongolia became the 101st member of the UN on October 27, 1961, raising its state flag at the UN. Over the 60-plus years of its UN membership, Mongolia has focused on fulfilling the objectives placed before the international community, strengthening its national stance on the global stage, advancing social and economic development, and ensuring democracy and human rights. L. Oyun-Erdene highlighted the UN as a platform for sovereign states to express themselves and a free meeting point. He expressed gratitude to the UN partnership for contributing to Mongolia's progress, such as vaccinating 80% of the population during the pandemic, assisting 12,000 herder households during the 2023-2024 dzud, and providing $1.5 million in aid. To successfully implement the "Sustainable Development Goals - 2030" program, the government is integrating advanced global concepts with national characteristics in its "Vision 2050" long-term policy and "New Revival Policy." The Prime Minister noted the importance of the "Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027" document being implemented with the UN. The UN is prioritizing strategic directions in Mongolia such as human development, green inclusivity, people-centered governance, rule of law, and human rights between 2023 and 2027. With its entry into the UN in 1961, Mongolia has enhanced and expanded its relations. The UN Resident Coordinator Tapan Mishra noted that Mongolia is making significant progress in the economic, social, and environmental sectors of the Sustainable Development Goals, creating rapid economic growth and announcing plans to establish a joint government to maintain stable development planning and implement 14 mega projects at regional, neighboring, and partner organization levels. The Prime Minister highlighted Mongolia's significant progress in various sectors such as achieving gender equality, urban development, and combating climate change, and that a "Future for Us Agreement" was adopted during the recent UN high-level meeting attended by leaders of 193 countries, underscoring Mongolia's commitment to combating climate change and accelerating digital transformation. He stressed that this agreement is an essential tool for Mongolia to fulfill its sustainable development goals. The UN expressed readiness to deepen broad cooperation with the Mongolian government, particularly in intensifying green transition and development, to create a brighter future. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and UN team will focus on integrating activities of the 14 mega projects and 14 reforms with the "Vision 2050" national committee operation, which will significantly contribute to meeting the "Sustainable Development Goals - 2030" program's 17 targets. He noted Mongolia's cooperation with the UN has reached a new level focusing more on developmental cooperation than aid in recent years. The Prime Minister emphasized focusing on three main issues: human resources, artificial intelligence, and green transition, with UN support, leadership, and cooperation playing crucial roles. The Mongolian government reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthening its cooperation with the UN, expanding its content, scope, and inclusivity, and expressed its intent on this matter once again. The UN Charter was ratified on this day in 1945, and since 1948, UN Day has been observed. At Mongolia's initiative, the UN declared the 1970s as the "Decade of Literacy" and firmly supported Mongolia's efforts against nuclear weapons, declaring its territory as a nuclear-weapon-free zone. Various UN programs are currently being implemented in Mongolia to strengthen democracy, improve the legal environment, protect human rights, and reduce poverty. Since 2002, Mongolia has participated in UN peacekeeping operations, deploying over 20,000 personnel in 12 missions, becoming the 24th largest troop-contributing country to UN peacekeeping.

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B.Battsetseg: Progress Made in Addressing Issues Raised by Companies to Embassies

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: gogo.mn

Foreign Minister B.Battsetseg participated in the Parliamentary session of the Standing Committee on Security and Foreign Policy yesterday and answered questions from members of parliament. She stated, "In recent years, diplomatic missions have been strengthened, and individuals assigned to these positions are knowledgeable in trade and economics, proficient in English, and familiar with the local language of the country. Over the past four years, more than 30 ambassadors have been appointed to embassies. When establishing agreements with them, detailed provisions have been included to enrich relations with economic content, support the activities of domestic companies, and pay special attention to the issues of citizens." Furthermore, she commented that embassies have done considerable work to open their doors for economic purposes and establish a legal framework. Behind major official state visits in the past, numerous documents and agreements were established concerning air relations, mutual visa exemptions, road transportation, and the facilitation of trade and economic conditions. Implementing these is a significant challenge for the government. It has been reported that progress has been made in resolving issues when Mongolian enterprises approach the embassies with specific concerns.

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Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene Visits the United Nations in Mongolia and Extends Congratulations

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: isee.mn

The Prime Minister of Mongolia, Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, visited the United Nations in Mongolia on the occasion of United Nations Day to extend his congratulations to the staff. The United Nations was established on October 24, 1945, to promote international law, economic and social development, and human rights, marking a significant advancement for peace and coexistence among the world's nations and humanity. On October 27, 1961, Mongolia became the 101st member state of the UN by raising the national flag at the UN. Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene highlighted that in the more than 60 years since Mongolia became a UN member, the country has focused on meeting the goals and objectives set before the international community, strengthening its position on the international stage, advancing social and economic development, and ensuring democracy and human rights. He expressed gratitude for the UN's partnership and leadership, noting its contributions to Mongolia's development, such as helping vaccinate 80% of the population during the COVID-19 pandemic and providing $1.5 million in aid to 12,000 herder households during the harsh winter of 2023-2024. The Mongolian Government is implementing the "Vision-2050" long-term development policy and "New Recovery Policy," incorporating global advanced concepts with national specifics to successfully achieve the "Sustainable Development Goals - 2030" program. The "Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027" jointly implemented with the UN is crucial in this endeavor. The UN is working with Mongolia in 2023-2027, focusing on human development, inclusive green growth, human-centered governance, the rule of law, and human rights as strategic priorities. The UN Resident Coordinator, Tapan Mishra, noted that since Mongolia joined the UN in 1961, bilateral relations and cooperation have continuously expanded and strengthened. He emphasized significant progress in the economic, social, and environmental sectors, noting the rapid economic growth achieved by Mongolia. Mongolia has announced plans to implement 14 mega projects at regional and international collaboration levels with the Strategic Partnerships Program, aiming to make its development policy and planning more sustainable and rapid. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the UN Resident Coordinator's Office and UN teams would focus on aligning the operations of the "Vision-2050" National Council with the 14 mega projects, 14 reforms, and the "Sustainable Development Goals - 2030" program's 17 goals. Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene emphasized that the Mongolia-UN cooperation has shifted in recent years to focus more on "development cooperation" rather than "development aid," noting the importance of addressing human resources, artificial intelligence, and the green transition. He underscored the importance of continued UN support and leadership. The Government of Mongolia reiterated its commitment to strengthening and expanding the scope, content, and reach of its collaboration with the UN.

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United Nations Day is Today

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: isee.mn

Every year, on October 24th, United Nations Day is celebrated, as the UN Charter was ratified on this day in 1945, and it has been observed since 1948. Specifically, ever since the UN was established and the peace treaty of San Francisco was ratified, Mongolia first applied for membership in 1946. Despite opposition from Western countries at the time, Mongolia applied 8 times and became a member 15 years later, in 1961. Moreover, it was Mongolia's initiative that led the UN to declare the 1970s as the "Decade of Literacy." Additionally, Mongolia has consistently supported the UN's struggle against nuclear weapons and has declared its territory a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone. Today, under various UN programs, Mongolia is working on strengthening democracy, improving the legal environment, protecting human rights, and reducing poverty. Since 2002, the Armed Forces of Mongolia have participated in UN peacekeeping operations, sending over 20,000 personnel to 12 operations over the years, making Mongolia the 24th top contributor of troops to UN peacekeeping missions.

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Infrastructure

Request to Collaborate with Italy's 'Leonardo' to Reduce Traffic Congestion in Ulaanbaatar

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The capital city is planning to implement major projects such as constructing a metro, creating a new ring road network, redeveloping ger districts into residential areas, and increasing green spaces. These projects will be carried out in stages through budgeting and public-private partnerships. As part of these efforts, there is an expression of interest to collaborate with Italy's state-owned "Leonardo" company to reduce traffic congestion in Ulaanbaatar. "Leonardo" is a global industrial group that develops multi-faceted technological capabilities in the aerospace, defense, and security sectors. It operates in 150 countries worldwide and holds a significant position in the industrial sectors of Italy, the United Kingdom, Poland, and the United States. During a meeting with Giovanna Picarretta, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Italian Republic to Mongolia, and a delegation led by Angelo Cecchini, Vice President of Business Development for the Northeast Asia and Pacific regions of "Leonardo," Ulaanbaatar's First Deputy Mayor T. Davaadalai expressed the wish to collaborate on reducing traffic congestion in Ulaanbaatar. Ambassador Giovanna Picarretta affirmed Italy's support and readiness to foster bilateral cooperation on all fronts in the future, stating it would be a pleasure to work together.

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S.Tsenguun: If We Don't Initiate Energy Reforms Swiftly, 3-4 Hour Power Outages Will Become Normal Soon

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: isee.mn

We spoke with S.Tsenguun, a member of parliament, regarding energy sector reforms. He currently serves as a member of the National Committee for Energy Reforms. - Despite increasing prices, there will be power outages this winter. This is because there hasn't been any technical update in this sector in the past 30 years. There are reports that electricity prices will increase by 30% and heating prices by 60% starting next month. According to the initial analysis by the Energy Regulatory Commission, energy prices cannot simply be left to market forces without government oversight, which is a global standard since this sector cannot be left unregulated by the government. With this in mind, what is your stance on the proposed price increase? The energy sector has not experienced any reforms since the socialism era. No reforms mean it hasn't transitioned to market principles. People often assert that government intervention is necessary for this sector, highlighting one aspect of a large-scale industrial operation. While some advocate for necessary government involvement, others argue for solutions involving private sector participation. This debate never ends. There are three main structures: the source, or large power plants, high voltage transmission lines, and distribution lines to deliver electricity to households. The government manages only the transmission lines, ensuring independence from a monopoly grid. There is no risk of a single wealthy individual controlling the power supply as feared. Globally, energy reforms have been progressing rapidly. The recent war between Russia and Ukraine demonstrated the risks associated with large network dependency; damages could leave multiple cities powerless. Creating independent small sources in each region is potentially cheaper. Investments in distributing electricity to a provincial center can be managed with smaller capital. Previously major government investments and developments were crucial. Now, science and technology advancements allow for decentralized solutions. Investors can address issues at the provincial or even village level independently. With changing times, it is critical to reassess the core concepts of the energy sector. Discussions are focused on brief, sensational aspects rather than the entire context. Energy price hikes pose a risk of shaking the economic foundation. The National Committee conducts extensive studies on these impacts. Solutions are not just about raising prices but involve thorough reforms. The fundamental decision-making authority lies with the Energy Regulatory Commission without government intervention. However, due to political interference, reforms in this sector have been delayed. Now, a coalition government of three parties is in place to depoliticize and focus on development. Large projects are stalled due to unresolved energy issues. The National Committee, led by members such as Energy Minister B.Choijilsuren, includes participants from three coalitions. They insist reforms entail more than just price increases, identifying management issues within state-owned enterprises. Our citizens are savvy, aware of power plant failures, and seeking sustainable solutions. There is resistance more from state-owned enterprises than citizens. Information suggests attacks on reform proponents within the National Committee are orchestrated to create false public dissent. The energy sector moves vast amounts of money, and those challenging the current setup face political ostracization. Despite this opposition, we remain determined to dismantle this system and bring in new investments and sources. Failure to reform equipment leaves us living on hope, with power plant failures posing realistic challenges. Without reform, in 5-6 years, it might seem normal to experience 3-4 hour outages, or possibly worse, as seen in Cuba. Energy dependency on a single country remains unaddressed, with no significant developments in the III and IV plants. The Eg and Erdeneburen hydropower plants are pending construction and expansion. Priorities begin with legal reforms since current laws date back to the socialism era, lacking clarity for new developments, evidenced by delayed investments. Making processes transparent and resolving systemic governance issues, including involving various stakeholders, is essential. State-owned companies resisting reforms will inevitably be dismantled for introducing new investments and developments. Aggressions towards reformations within the energy sector reveal it as an interest of foreign influence advocating dependency. Previously, river-powered energy projects like Eg were obstructed by external forces. Even with prepared feasibility studies and designs, European assistance was absent despite their past energy independence concerns for Mongolia. During recent crises, such pledges for assistance remain unfulfilled, demonstrating the necessity for Mongolia to uphold its interests autonomously. Energy investments elevate the economy, crucial for tackling urban issues such as crowding and pollution. Different perspectives show a logical discrepancy. While supporting regional developments, energy tariffs favor urban centers. Similarly, district heating costs appear inconsistent, indicating equity issues need addressing. In conclusion, the middle to upper-income households will bear the brunt of these reforms, emphasizing the need to maintain course despite political challenges. Vulnerable innovative projects rely on transparent processes and timely beginnings.

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No Vehicle Registration Numbers Issued in Ulaanbaatar from 8th Next Month

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

The decision to limit the issuance of vehicle registration numbers to 730,000 in Ulaanbaatar was approved by the city's City Council last February. The first Deputy Mayor of the city, T. Davaadalai, announced that the implementation of this decision will begin on the 8th of next month. Additionally, starting from December 1st, vehicles that have not undergone technical inspection will not be allowed in traffic. Officials explained that the main reason for setting a limit on registration numbers is to reduce traffic congestion. The decision is one of several regulations issued by the City Council related to reducing traffic congestion and housing the ger district in Ulaanbaatar, along with other accompanying legislations. As T. Davaadalai stated, "We have set the maximum number of vehicle registration numbers in Ulaanbaatar at 730,000. However, there are already 785,000 registered vehicles. In other words, we have exceeded the set limit by 55,000. Therefore, new criteria for issuing numbers to vehicles in Ulaanbaatar have been confirmed. The criteria include decommissioning vehicles over 10 years old and issuing numbers only to vehicles with right-hand steering." Citizens are criticizing this decision by city officials, claiming it could lead to a flourishing business of reselling vehicle numbers.

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Fix the Theft in the Energy Sector Before Raising Prices!

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: news.mn

From the mouth of every minister of the Coalition Government, the explanation "We have no choice but to increase the price of energy and heating. If we don't increase it now, the costs will only grow the longer we delay" falls. The government received the right to increase energy prices by 64% and heating prices by 28% through the general plan passed by the State Great Khural last week, which aims to develop Mongolia by 2025. Although it is true that the strict state regulation of the energy sector over many years caused losses to mount and become unmanageable, one of the factors leading to such a situation is the theft, corruption, and extortion present in the sector. Crimes testifying to this were revolving around state-owned thermal power plants. Specifically, in 2018, the Bayanzurkh District Court of First Instance in Ulaanbaatar found S. Ankhbayar, the former executive director of the state-owned Thermal Power Plant IV company, guilty of accepting a bribe of 100 million MNT and sentenced him to two years in prison. Related to this case, L. Demberelnyam, who worked in the Procurement Department of the same state-owned company, was sentenced to 1.6 years in prison. They were convicted of taking and giving bribes in connection with the delivery of equipment for boilers worth over a billion MNT to the Thermal Power Plant IV state-owned company. However, when this case was reviewed by the Supreme Court, S. Ankhbayar's public service appointment rights were revoked for three years, and he was fined 27 million MNT while his two-year prison sentence was nullified. When the Supreme Court made this decision, people said, "S. Ankhbayar really has strong connections, he's a dry brother of the Minister of Justice and Home Affairs, Ts. Nyamdorj," and moved on. Another sensational arrest testifying to the rampant corruption in this sector occurred in 2022. Specifically, in 2022, the director of the state-owned Thermal Power Plant III company, L. Erkhebaatar, was also arrested by the Anti-Corruption Agency after being caught taking large sums of money from others. Media reported that he took bribes as a gratitude for approving a particular company in the tender selection process. In other words, the scandals concerning corruption in the energy sector speak not of just a few million, but hundreds of millions, and this is not without basis. This also increases the loss in this sector, which is no secret. Furthermore, illicit trade is out of control. On the other hand, there are countless cases where people use electricity illegally. Even though the energy sector is said to be operating at a loss, it has numerous ambitious leaders and bag carriers. Consequently, a lot of inefficient expenses are incurred as well, they say. Without addressing these issues, imposing the sole explanation that energy and heating prices must be increased on the public is actually improper. Prices can be increased, but first, take care of the corruption, theft, and extortion. Without solving this issue, the sector will not see sunlight even if energy prices are increased by 64% and heating prices by 28%. Theft and corruption will still be a shackle as before. On the contrary, escalating the electricity and heating prices sharply also runs the risk of further deteriorating the energy sector. This is because raising energy prices by 64% and heating prices by 28% is a sharp increase. It's erroneous to think of increasing energy and heating prices like deciding the price of certain apartments in "Khurd" by just sitting somewhere. This concerns every citizen and enterprise in Mongolia. How many can overcome such a high price shock? Enterprises will inevitably inflate the prices of their goods and services. Among households, some will squeeze themselves to pay for consumed electricity and heating, while others will not pay. There is a risk of widespread deterioration. In fact, just by increasing prices without tackling corruption and theft in this sector, the issue will not be resolved, which should be known by B. Choijilsuren, who is in his second term as a minister. However, there seems to be no will to fight corruption and bribery in the sector. Someone who can address the issue in a broad context would first fight against illegal affairs and alleviate their consequences and then propose a slightly lighter price increase. It would have been positive if they could say, "We reduced the energy and heating price increase to this extent due to these measures, now you must pay this price." But if they talk only about price hikes without fighting the parasites, who will accept it? First, deal with corruption, bribery, and theft in the energy sector, Minister.

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Insufficient Infrastructure Access Is a Major Cause of Increasing Population Density

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: gogo.mn

80% of the offices in Ulaanbaatar are located in the Central Circle area.
Although the street network density standard suggests that there should be 350-450 people per hectare, in some parts of Ulaanbaatar, especially in the city center, this density has tripled, according to Prof. E. Purev-Erdene, head of the Urban Planning Department at the School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, MUST (Mongolian University of Science and Technology).
He emphasized that inadequate infrastructure provision is one of the reasons businesses are concentrated in the city center, leading to increased population density. He also pointed out that the lack of regulations on where high-rise buildings can be constructed leads to many offices being built in one place.
According to a study by "MMCG," 80% of the total offices are located in the Central Circle area. The study also highlights that one in two people enter this zone for work purposes.
Urbanization is rapidly increasing in Mongolia, with urban population density exceeding the East Asian regional average, according to the World Bank.
In 2000, 57% of Mongolia's total population lived in urban areas, and by 2022 this number had grown to 69%.

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B. Byambasaikhan: Repair Work on Gants Hudag and Bumbugur Dams Damaged by Last Year's Flood Continues

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The work to repair the flood protective structures that were damaged and collapsed during last summer's flood in the capital city will continue until November 10. Today, they completed the repair work on the following sites: - 70 meters of the East Mountain flood protection channel in Bayanzurkh District, 13th Subdistrict, north of the Sunjin Grand Hotel - 30 meters of the West Mountain flood protection channel in Bayangol District, 2nd Subdistrict - A section of the road bridge on the east side of the Peace Bridge underpass in Khan-Uul District, 15th Subdistrict - 60 meters of riverbank protection expansion and renovation on Middle River When asked about how many dams are being repaired this year, the head of the Geodesy, Hydrology, and Construction Authority of the State-Owned Enterprise B. Byambasaikhan stated, "In Ulaanbaatar city, a total of nine locations had varying degrees of damage due to the 2023 flood. If we do not finish repairing these this year, more damage could occur next year, leading to more costly repairs. Secondly, there is a risk of significant pooling in the damaged flood dams, so we are working to finish the repairs by November 10. The repair and renovation of flood dams in six sites, including Khailast, the Uliastai River, Middle River or on top of Shunkhlai Gas Station, north of Sunjin Grand Hotel, East Mountain, Bayangol District's West Mountain, and the underpass on the east side of the Peace Bridge, are fully completed." Currently, repair work has begun on the flood dams south of Gants Khudag in Dari-Ekh and next to the Bumbugur Shopping Center. If it gets colder, the damaged dam on the north side of the Soyoombot Gateway, the ninth location, might not be repaired this year. The bridge is currently closed. The work of repairing and renovating the flood dams is being carried out by the employees of the Geodesy, Hydrology, and Construction Authority. The financing for the repairs is sufficient. In addition to this, rainwater drainage systems have been installed in 15 locations. There is a risk of pooling and ice forming in December in the capital city. Warning: Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social, and Web pages) should note that when using our information in whole or in part, they must cite the original source (ikon.mn).

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Dangerous Cargo Vehicles to be Inspected Twice a Year

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The "Gas Safety 2024" training on gas safety is taking place today. During this event, we interviewed Z. Chünser from the Ministry of Road and Transport Development's Road Transport Policy Regulation Department about the regulation of transporting dangerous cargo. He mentioned that vehicles used for transporting dangerous goods must adhere to the rules established in 2009 related to the transport of dangerous goods that may pose a threat to human life, health, and the environment. They must follow general requirements for transporting dangerous goods and comply with common traffic rules. The Ministry of Road and Transport Development only assesses whether technical requirements are met. In addition, while such vehicles underwent technical inspections once a year previously, a new regulation is being developed to require inspections twice a year. Proposals are being gathered from ministries to approve this regulation by a government resolution. It is expected to be approved by next month. From 2025 onwards, the necessary conditions to update the regulation of transporting dangerous cargo within the city will be integrated into the government's organizational structure. The use of oil products, especially gas, increases every year. Compared to other types of energy sources, combustible gas has a lower negative impact on air pollution. According to D. Davaabayar, head of the Petroleum Products Division of the Petroleum Authority, studies classifying the sources of air pollution in Ulaanbaatar city show that 80% of pollution sources come from chimneys of households in ger districts, 10% from vehicles, 6% from power plants, and the remaining from other sources. To reduce the air pollution emitted from ger districts, it is essential to solve heating supply using gas heating and boilers powered by gas sources. Work has begun in this direction. For instance, more than 80 organizations in the capital have solved their heating using gas, with about 30 of them being schools and kindergartens. As gas usage is expected to increase in our country, legal frameworks and control systems in this sector must be improved to clarify the roles of stakeholders and to specify how to safely store, transport, and use gas. Today's training is organized with this in mind. G. Tsogtsaikhan, an officer from the special division of Sukhbaatar district, said that common mistakes made by households in their usage include placing gas cylinders close to heating appliances, failing to secure them, leaving them in open spaces, and making incomplete gasket and rubber connections. Therefore, residents need to ensure these and that gas supply buildings are constructed following design plans, install gas leak detectors, carefully check packaging and warning labels, and attend training sessions. Particular attention should be given to businesses operating in residential basements and on the ground floors, as these businesses not only run their own services but also have to ensure the safety of tenants, thus adhering to relevant norms and standards is necessary.

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Responsibility for Delivery Vehicles Without Winter Tires

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Due to recent snowfall and cold weather, the Traffic Police Department has conducted inspections regarding the proper maintenance of vehicles and whether they are equipped with winter tires. The inspections revealed common violations, such as drivers replacing only the two front tires with winter tires or participating in traffic with summer tires during icy conditions. Therefore, citizens and delivery drivers from businesses are warned to use winter tires when it snows. Winter tires have rough treads and grooves, allowing for better traction on snowy and icy roads compared to summer tires, and can improve the stopping capability of a vehicle by 30-40% on slippery roads. As winter is specifically designed for such weather conditions, they heat up easily in warmer conditions. Thus, the Traffic Police Department advises that summer tires should be replaced with winter tires in preparation for the snow. According to the Traffic Prevention Department senior specialist G. Otgontamir, "Drivers should prepare their vehicles for winter at the beginning of October. Particularly, streets and roads in distant ger districts quickly become icy after snowfalls. Therefore, drivers need to ensure their vehicles' full operational condition and participate in traffic with winter tires during snowy and icy conditions. Doing so protects your own and others' lives and property and prevents potential risks. During road inspections, even delivery vehicles are found participating in traffic without ensuring the technical condition of the vehicles. Businesses and their management need to take note of this. In cases of repeated violations, the concerned organization faces liability under the Law on Violations."

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Society

American Center in Ulaanbaatar Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The U.S. Embassy in Mongolia and the Ulaanbaatar Public Library named after D. Natsagdorj celebrated the 20th anniversary of the American Center in Ulaanbaatar. The ceremony was attended by Matthew Ference, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Mongolia, and other officials, as well as volunteers from the U.S. Peace Corps. Over the past 20 years, the American Center has hosted nearly half a million visitors and organized over a thousand programs. In addition to its headquarters in Ulaanbaatar, the American Center operates branches in Dornogovi, Darkhan-Uul, Uvs, and Orkhon provinces. During the event, Deputy Chief of Mission Matthew Ference stated, "This event is a testament to the long-standing stable partnership between our two countries and the shared values that unite us. The American Center has been a beacon of knowledge, culture, and mutual understanding. It has introduced young Mongolians to new ideas, perspectives, and people, bringing positive change to their lives. Across 140 countries, there are over 600 American Centers equipped with advanced technology that provide many individuals around the world with their first experience of connecting with the USA and offer substantial support in people-to-people relations. For instance, our American Center's regular partner, EducationUSA, has helped many young people pursue higher education opportunities in the USA. Supporting and expanding opportunities to learn English in Mongolia is a key priority of our Embassy. In the coming years, let us continue to develop our cultural exchanges and partnerships based on this strong foundation and keep our American Centers as vibrant and positively impactful places in our communities." The American Center was first established in 2004 and has served as a key point for cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries, initiating and organizing numerous public programs such as American movie nights, methodological seminars, "Let's Talk About America," and professional development series. The center provides free access to a wide range of information on American culture and education, offering internet access, an English language library, and reference services. Furthermore, it serves as the most reliable source of information about the United States, providing opportunities for research and study, and introducing American values, culture, and initiatives to the public. One of the notable achievements of the Center over the past 20 years is the Makerspace project located at the Ulaanbaatar Public Library. This project is significant for developing young people's creativity and team skills, standing out by supporting the enhancement of computer design and programming knowledge with technological assistance. The Makerspace project includes training such as understanding the basics of electronics, creating objects using 3D printing, learning Arduino programming, and developing teamwork skills.

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INFOGRAPHIC: 665 Thousand People Have Migrated to Ulaanbaatar Since 2000

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The capital city is celebrating its 385th anniversary and the 100th year since it was named Ulaanbaatar. Smog, traffic congestion, foul odors, and on top of that, soil and water pollution are among the factors that are most frustrating and stressing out the residents of Ulaanbaatar, a city with over a hundred years of history. These negative consequences have arisen due to the excessive population growth in the capital city, which has overwhelmed the city's infrastructure. Let's compile detailed information based on data from the Integrated Statistical Information System about how the population of Ulaanbaatar has changed and the migration situation in the capital city. The percentage of residents living in the capital city relative to the total population is increasing year by year. Ulaanbaatar's land area accounts for 0.3% of Mongolia's total territory, and according to the Integrated Statistical Information System's report, 49.5% of Mongolia's total population were living in the capital city as of 2023. It is said that the city was originally designed for a population of 400,000-500,000, but as of last year, 1.73 million people were living there, an increase of one million over the past 20-plus years. Furthermore, according to "The Geographical Study of Internal Migration in Mongolia and the Factors That Attract and Push it," it is predicted that by 2045, the number of people living in the capital city will reach 60% of the total population. Since 2000, a total of 665,000 people have moved from local areas to Ulaanbaatar. On average, 27,700 people move each year, but after a decrease in migration from 2016 to 2019, it sharply increased starting in 2020, with the number reaching 40,000 per year. Researchers have mentioned that internal migration increases during years of drought and harsh winters, and this year's drought is also expected to increase the number of migrants to Ulaanbaatar. In 2023, a total of 56,152 migration movements were recorded within Mongolia, with 32,299 or 57.5% directed towards the capital city Ulaanbaatar. Following Ulaanbaatar, Darkhan-Uul, Orkhon, Ömnögovi, and Tov aimags had the next highest number of new residents, each with more than 2,000 new settlers. Warning: When using our information in any form or partly in the media (Television, Radio, Social, and Web pages), the source (ikon.mn) must be credited.

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Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: gogo.mn

Chairman of the State Great Khural, D. Amarbaysgalan, visited the Anti-Corruption Agency to familiarize himself with its operations and exchange views on policy for legal reform. During a presentation, Director of the Anti-Corruption Agency and Chief Commissioner Z. Dashdavaa stated, "Since its establishment, the ACA has investigated a total of 12,079 criminal cases and recovered damages amounting to 3 trillion 232 billion 407 million 259 thousand tugriks. In 2021 and 2022, grounds were established for recovering a total of 12.2 million US dollars from abroad, which were brought into the national treasury by court decision." He emphasized the necessity of developing and passing laws such as the "Law on the Protection of Whistleblowers" and the "Bill on Management and Disposal of Assets Seized and Confiscated due to Criminal Activities" to achieve the goal of bringing the Corruption Perception Index to a double-digit number. Excessive regulations overriding the law should be sorted out, and social norms should be governed by law. Chairman of the State Great Khural D. Amarbaysgalan pointed out that corruption is the most serious violation of human rights and stated that the 126-member State Great Khural, representing five parties and coalitions, has started working to further strengthen the parliamentary system and focus its policy on ensuring human rights and freedoms. Research conducted on 318 commonly used legal provisions identified over 800 provisions as violations of human rights. Thus, this parliament has started working to amend those provisions. He noted that 70% of social relations being regulated by procedures serves as a basis for corruption and abuse of power. Therefore, the State Great Khural will focus on sorting out regulations that override laws and ensuring that social norms are governed by law. The State Great Khural has been instructed to inform the public of its activities under the "National Anti-Corruption Program" approved in 2023 to be implemented between 2023 and 2030, and the "Action Plan to Implement the National Anti-Corruption Program" approved in 2024. During the meeting, members of the State Great Khural asked questions and provided comments on the ACA's policies and activities. For instance, Member of the State Great Khural and Chairman of the Standing Committee on Law, Dam. Tsogtbaatar, reiterated that the State Great Khural has started working to elevate the rule of law, emphasizing that anti-corruption efforts must result in concrete outcomes rather than remain mere declarations. The Press and Information Department of the State Great Khural reported that, due to the link between corruption issues and the existence of the country, the ACA was advised to focus on preventive work.

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Environment

Research on Ulaanbaatar's Greenhouse Gases and Environmental Pollution to be Completed Next Year

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: gogo.mn

Deputy Mayor of the Capital City A. Amartüvshin met with representatives of the advisory team from the Japanese Border for Carbon Organization, who are conducting a study assigned by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on the projects, research, and future tasks being implemented within the framework of bilateral cooperation. JICA representatives are conducting thorough research aimed at reducing Ulaanbaatar’s energy consumption, greenhouse gases, and air pollution. It was stated that the study will be completed by February 2025 and will then transition to the implementation phase. Deputy Mayor A. Amartüvshin expressed gratitude to the representatives contributing to the introduction of eco-friendly infrastructure, a key factor in achieving the nation’s sustainable development goals, as reported by the Press and Public Relations Department of the NCTC.

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BULGAN: "Clear Sky Grove" Project Implemented in Gurvanbulag District

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The "Clear Sky Grove" project, funded by Korea's KW Bank, is being implemented in Bulgan province, and the progress of the work has been reviewed. In Gurvanbulag soum of Bulgan province, the "Clear Sky Grove" project is being carried out, enclosing a total area of 100 hectares. In the autumn planting of 2024, a total of 15,000 trees were planted, including 10,000 elms and 5,000 sea buckthorns. The "Green Asia" NGO is working as the project contractor. This project is planned to be implemented over a 5-year period. Gurvanbulag soum in Bulgan province has a mix of desert and mountain regions, with a total land area of 268,605 hectares: 229,107 hectares are agricultural land, 32 hectares are water reservoir areas, 37,190 hectares are special use areas, 1,667 hectares are residential areas, and 6 hectares are forest fund land. The area has dry cool summers and harsh winters, with annual precipitation of 150-300 mm, and it is a soum that requires the development of the forest belt.

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Decision to Re-establish the Naransavstain Pass Opposed by Environmentalists

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

The government's inclusion of "Re-establishing and opening the Naransavstain Pass in the Gobi Great Strictly Protected Area" in their 2024-2028 operational program has stirred indignation and frustration among environmentalists. Researchers and experts are concerned that starting operations of the pass in Part A of the Gobi Great Strictly Protected Area, which is the primary habitat for rare species like the saiga, Gobi bear, wild Bactrian camel, and black-tailed gazelle, will cause irreparable damage to the ecosystem and biodiversity of the Gobi region and ultimately Mongolia. The port, which borders China’s Gansu province, was established in the early 1990s in the Gobi-Altai aimag, but it was completely closed a little over a year after it opened. The reasons cited were the disturbances to wildlife caused by human and vehicle movements, soil erosion, and illegal hunting. Many criticized the transport routes passing through the strictly protected area. Since then, local officials have repeatedly proposed the reconstruction of the Naransavstain Pass at the government level. From 2022 onwards, the discussion became more intense, and negotiations with the Chinese side led to the inclusion of this initiative in plans for "Reviving the Pass." During a meeting in Gobi-Altai last year, the Prime Minister stated that "The government is studying the opening of the Naransavstain Pass," a statement that remains documented on social media. While officials claim that reviving the pass will "open a gateway for the development of the western region," environmentalists warn that it will "open a gateway to ecological disaster." Altering the borders of the strictly protected area and creating urban development may result in the extinction of the Gobi bear, which is "only found in Mongolia," and disrupt the migration patterns of other rare animals. Leaders like B. Mijiddorj and other experts from the Society for the Study and Management of Rare Animals are expressing their opposition through the media. Some are reportedly contacting relevant ministers, leaders, and international organizations about this issue. Organizations such as "The Snow Leopard Trust" have also begun urging field researchers and experts to formally express their complaints and suggestions to the Government Public Relations Center regarding this matter. Experts assert that the pass should never have been established in this area in the first place. They say that the decision was made without proper assessments and evaluations, and they have already felt the consequences to some extent. Concerns have been raised that repeating such a mistake will amount to a serious violation of international treaties, conventions, and the Law on Special Protected Areas, to which Mongolia is a signatory.

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Project to designate Onon, Balj Natural Complex as a protected area initiated

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

The project "Land to be inherited - Onon, Balj Natural Complex" has been launched. This project is being implemented in collaboration with the international organization "The Nature Conservancy" (TNC) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Mongolia Program Office. As part of the project, support will be provided to improve the management activities of the complex's administration and its surrounding region, with the aim of ensuring biodiversity and ecosystem stability. In addition, the project seeks to support local residents' conservation efforts, enhance their capacity to adapt to climate change, and promote a nature-friendly local economy. Geographically, the Onon, Balj Natural Complex and its surrounding area encompass the territories of Dadal, Binder, Norovlin, Bayan-Adraga in Khentii province, and Bayan-Uul in Dornod province. This project will be implemented from 2024 to 2039.

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Innovation

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Recently, the General Department of Education issued a warning about the spread of fake news and information targeting employees in the education sector through electronic and social media. For example, information with unclear sources, such as competitions to select the best teachers with high prize funds, as well as the sale and evaluation of training and research materials, is being widely disseminated on social media. This creates the basis for teachers, staff, parents, and guardians to become victims. Therefore, caution is advised to avoid becoming a victim of deception as described in Article 17.3 of the Criminal Code concerning fraud: "Causing another to be deceived through concealment of the truth or the use of false documents, electronic devices, etc., and thereby transferring or acquiring ownership or property rights." Before making a decision, it is recommended to carefully verify information sources. Notice: Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social, and Web pages) using our information in any form, either completely or partially, must cite the source (ikon.mn).

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Health

C. Bazaragchaa: To Reduce Tuberculosis, Long-term Policy and Funding for Implementation Are Needed

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The Mongolian Anti-Tuberculosis Association, in cooperation with the Tuberculosis Professional Branch Council of the Ministry of Health, organized the second forum on "Civil Society Leadership in Eradicating Tuberculosis in Mongolia." In 2022, 10.6 million people worldwide were newly infected with tuberculosis, of which 5.8 million were men, 3.5 million were women, and 1.3 million were children. The number of tuberculosis cases, which had been declining for many years, has increased again, with 1.3 million people dying from tuberculosis, making it the second leading cause of infectious disease deaths after COVID-19, and the leading cause of death among people with HIV. Tuberculosis remains a serious public health issue in Mongolia. It has been established that in addition to social and economic factors, discrimination and stigma hinder treatment access. A national survey conducted in 2022 showed that people with tuberculosis are discriminated against in healthcare settings and that their family members face public stigma and ridicule. Thus, there is a need for NGOs to define how to cooperate with state and international organizations to ensure sustainable operations. As a result of the forum, it is believed that a significant step will be taken towards eradicating tuberculosis in Mongolia by defining the scope of cooperation between civil society organizations, which is a key component of the WHO's 2030 tuberculosis eradication strategy, and through collaboration with the State Great Khural and government agencies. C. Bazaragchaa, the head of research and health projects at the Mongolian Anti-Tuberculosis Association and a medical doctor, stated, "Globally, there is a major strategy to eradicate tuberculosis by 2030. In our country, this is included in the first phase of Mongolia's long-term vision 2050 development policy. Reducing tuberculosis is not only a matter for the health sector but is also related to civil society and other sectors. Rather than creating research evidence, it is crucial for people affected by tuberculosis to have their voices heard by the public to recover from this disease without discrimination. This year, we are presenting the results of the 'Assessment of Discrimination Arising from Tuberculosis' and the 'Assessment of Community Involvement, Human Rights, and Gender.' The study revealed that risk groups are neglected, discriminated against, face significant financial challenges, and lack access to healthcare services. Therefore, by 2030, we aim to establish frameworks for cooperation with the state in Mongolia. Without taking decisive measures, Mongolia is at risk of being among the top 30 countries in the world with the highest tuberculosis incidence. To reduce this, long-term policy and funding implementation are needed," he said. At this forum, government and non-governmental organizations discussed pressing issues related to what can be done to eradicate tuberculosis. This time, the forum presented results on "The Human Rights Situation Related to Health," "Current State of Gender Equality," "Assessment of Discrimination Arising from Tuberculosis," and "Assessment of Public Involvement, Human Rights, and Gender."

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T. Munkhsaikhan: Decision Made to Make Some Medicines Available Without Prescription, Request Sent to Suppliers

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: isee.mn

The Social Policy Standing Committee met to discuss the draft budget for 2025 and the accompanying draft laws. During this session, Member of Parliament A. Ariunzaya asked, "How will the list of prescription drugs be updated? We have become accustomed to using medicines daily. Instead of visiting a doctor, people often go to pharmacies and buy medicine on their own, which the health sector highlights as problematic. However, it seems unfair and confusing when the decision to require prescriptions for some medicines depends on the manufacturers. What actions are being taken to address this?" Minister of Health T. Munkhsaikhan responded, "There are over 4,000 registered medicines in our country. Of those, about 1,100 can be dispensed without a prescription. Approximately 160 medicines, even though they have the same ingredients, are dispensed both with and without a prescription. The Human Medicines Council held a meeting to address this discrepancy and decided to make some medicines available without prescription, sending requests to the supplying organizations. The council will meet again next week. During the meeting, final decisions will be made, and changes will be made to the medicine registry. By next week, the inconsistencies between prescription and non-prescription dispensing for similar medicines will be resolved. There are both positive and negative aspects to e-Mongolia. For example, it is indeed beneficial for matters like pregnancy monitoring and immunization. However, using e-Mongolia for scheduling appointments and prescriptions is not always the optimal solution. About 40% of people who book appointments through e-Mongolia do not show up at their scheduled time, which causes significant issues. There is no need for electronic prescription overlaps through e-Mongolia. Currently, about 2,500 pharmacies in our country dispense medicines, with about 1,400 providing insurance-covered and discounted medicines. These pharmacies can directly be connected to electronic prescriptions. Since taking office, the minister has been working to digitalize prescriptions. By next week, doctors will be able to write prescriptions electronically for the remaining 1,100 pharmacies. This will enable all 2,500 pharmacies across the country to dispense medicines based on electronic prescriptions written by doctors.

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"If internationally, 3-4 nurses work per doctor, in Mongolia, only one nurse is assigned per doctor. The number of nurses is very low."

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The fifth international conference on "Incorporating the Goals of Sustainable Development into the Theory and Practice of Nursing Science" organized by the School of Nursing, National University of Medical Sciences, is being held on the 24th and 25th of this month. During the conference, issues related to nursing education and leadership, community health nursing, and mental health care were discussed, and researchers from other countries exchanged views. The conference, held as part of the activities to celebrate the 95th anniversary of the establishment of the School of Nursing and the start of nurse training in Mongolia, was attended by nursing scholars, professors, teachers, and researchers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, China, and Russia. From the more than 100 academic research works submitted in the fields of nursing, midwifery, and health sciences, 20 presentations were shared with the public. Regarding the conference, Dr. B. Oyungoo, Director of the School of Nursing, Medical Sciences at the National University of Medical Sciences, said, "The main goal of this conference, which is organized every two years, is to emphasize sustainable development. It is important to note that representatives from various countries come to share their experiences. In particular, representatives from the U.S. provided us with useful information on how the nursing profession was initially established and the paths it has taken. The stories these people told resonate with our current development, indicating that we are progressing through stages of development. Thus, this conference positively influences us by allowing us to learn from their experiences, by understanding their successes and mistakes, rather than having to repeat them ourselves. We are conducting our conference with two main topics. The first concerns nursing education and management, and the second focuses on mental health nursing. According to international research, there is a study indicating that 3-4 nurses work for each doctor. In Mongolia, however, only one nurse is assigned per doctor. Furthermore, the total number of nurses working in hospitals is very low. A low headcount means an increased workload for the existing staff. This often leads to issues such as staff turnover and relocation to other jobs. We are currently conducting research on this matter. Previously, only about 100 people studied nursing annually, whereas now 300-400 people are pursuing nursing qualifications each year. However, if societal issues are not resolved comprehensively, it is difficult to work in this profession for long," she emphasized. Warning: Media outlets (TV, Radio, Social and Websites) are reminded to always cite their sources (ikon.mn) when using our information in any form, fully or partially.

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EVENT: Civil Society Leadership Forum on Tuberculosis Eradication in Mongolia

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: ikon.mn

At the Blue Sky Hotel, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, a forum titled "Civil Society Leadership in Tuberculosis Eradication in Mongolia" will take place under the theme of "Public Participation, Human Rights, and Gender." In the training hall of the Central Library, at 9:00 AM, the "Mongolian Gas Fuel Association" NGO, in collaboration with the Korea Gas Safety Corporation (KGS), will organize the "Gas Safety 2024" training on safe gas operations. At the State House, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the standing committees in the State Great Khural (Parliament) will hold meetings. In the Suld Hall of the Tuushin Hotel, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, the Ministry of Environment, Green Development, and Tourism, together with the World Wide Fund for Nature, will present the "Living Planet Report 2024" on the theme of "Climate Change - Living Organisms - Wildlife." At the Kami Hall of the Ulaanbaatar Hotel, at 10:30 AM, the 6th International Conference on "Integrating Sustainable Development Goals into Nursing Science Theory and Practice" will be held. At the Criminal Court of First Instance of Songinokhairkhan District, a court session related to the case involving D.I. for running over and killing journalist E. Gankhuyag will take place at 11:00 AM. In the American Center Program Room of the Public Main Library in Ulaanbaatar, at 11:30 AM, events celebrating the 20th anniversary of the American Center will be held. At the Exhibition Hall of the Natural History Museum, at 11:40 AM, the temporary exhibit "Heritage of Zavkhan," commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Zavkhan Museum, will open. This exhibit is notable for featuring 66 rare artifacts considered valuable in Buddhism. At the Second Building of the National University of Mongolia, Room 439, at 2:00 PM, calligrapher Onolt Togoobatyn Jamyansuren will present a lecture on "The Inscriptions of Duutin Rock or the Unthinkable Chandmani Temple's Calligraphy."

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1.3 Million People Die of Tuberculosis in Our Country

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: isee.mn

The Mongolian Tuberculosis Combat Association, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health's Expert Committee on Tuberculosis Research, organized the "Leadership of Civil Society in Eradicating Tuberculosis in Mongolia" forum for the second time. Specifically, tuberculosis continues to be a serious public health issue in Mongolia. After years of decline, the number of tuberculosis cases has risen again, with 1.3 million people dying from the disease. Globally in 2022, 10.6 million people contracted tuberculosis, including 5.8 million men, 3.5 million women, and 1.3 million children. Research conducted nationwide in 2022 shows that people with tuberculosis face discrimination in healthcare facilities, and their family members suffer humiliation in public. Therefore, non-governmental organizations need to identify methods to work sustainably with both governmental and international organizations. The organizers believe that as a result of the forum, a significant step will be taken towards clarifying the framework for civil society organizations, an important part of the WHO's 2030 strategy to eradicate tuberculosis. This framework will lay the groundwork for collaboration with the Parliament and government bodies to eradicate tuberculosis in Mongolia. Our country treats tuberculosis effectively, with a success rate of 85% or higher. Treatment for multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis used to be extremely difficult and lasted up to 24 months. Now, there are treatment regimes of six or nine months. Globally, the success rate for treating drug-resistant tuberculosis is 60%. However, in our country, we achieve a success rate of over 70%. Therefore, medical services and treatment in our country are good. The most important thing is to diagnose and identify tuberculosis patients. Symptoms should prompt immediate medical consultation, as people usually seek medical help only at advanced stages of the disease, says P. Nasanjargal, head of the Tuberculosis Surveillance and Research Division at the National Center for Communicable Diseases.

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News Guide: "Gas Safety" Training to be Held

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: news.mn

News Agency presents a summary of today's events. 9:00 AM: The "Leadership of Civil Society in Eradicating Tuberculosis" forum will be held. Contact: 9919-9346. At "Blue Sky": The regular meeting of the Mongolian-American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) will be held on the topic of "Accelerating the Energy Transition." At the National Library: The "Gas Safety 2024" training with discussions will be held. Contact: 9572-4747. 10:00 AM: At "Tuushin": A presentation of the "Living Planet Report 2024" will be organized on the topic of "Climate Change-Living Organisms-Wildlife," in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and the World Wildlife Fund. 10:30 AM: At the "Ulaanbaatar" Hotel, an international conference on "Integrating Sustainable Development Goals in Nursing Science Theory and Practice" will be held. Contact: 9111-8318. 11:30 AM: A discussion on "Cooperation for Sustainable Development" and activities on "Youth Participation for Sustainable Development" will take place.

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T.Munkhsaikhan: The Drug Registration Will Be Modified to Allow Some Medications to Be Available Without a Prescription

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: itoim.mn

The Parliament's Standing Committee on Social Policy is meeting today to discuss the draft budget for 2025 and other related legislative proposals. During the meeting, Member of Parliament A. Ariunzaya asked questions regarding digitalization in the healthcare sector and current issues, to which Health Minister T. Munkhsaikhan responded. - MP A. Ariunzaya: How will the list of prescription medications be updated? We have become accustomed to using medications daily. The health sector emphasizes that going directly to a pharmacy to buy medications without consulting a doctor is incorrect. However, the decision on whether some medications require a prescription depends on the manufacturer, creating an unfair situation and misunderstandings. What measures are being taken to address this? - Health Minister T. Munkhsaikhan: Our country has over 4,000 registered types of drugs, and around 1,100 of them can be dispensed without a prescription. There are about 160 drugs with similar ingredients that are classified differently as prescription and non-prescription. The Human Drug Council has met to eliminate this inconsistency and decided to allow some medications to be dispensed without a prescription. Requests have been sent to drug supply organizations. The Human Drug Council will convene again next week to make final decisions and modify the drug registry. By next week, this distinction between similar medications being dispensed as prescription or non-prescription will be resolved. - MP A. Ariunzaya: Has the e-prescription system in "E-Mongolia" been utilized? - Health Minister T. Munkhsaikhan: "E-Mongolia" has both positive and negative aspects for the healthcare sector. For instance, it is quite beneficial in areas such as prenatal vaccination oversight. However, for appointment scheduling and e-prescriptions, "E-Mongolia" is not the right, precise solution. Approximately 40% of people who book medical appointments through "E-Mongolia" do not show up, causing a significant pile-up. There is no need to cause duplication by processing e-prescriptions through "E-Mongolia." Currently, around 2,500 pharmacies in our country dispense medications, and about 1,400 of them provide discounted medications under health insurance. These pharmacies can directly connect to e-prescriptions. Since taking office, work has been underway to digitalize prescriptions. By next week, doctors will be writing e-prescriptions for the remaining 1,100 pharmacies, creating a system where all 2,500 pharmacies nationwide can dispense medications with e-prescriptions, allowing people to receive their medications electronically from pharmacies.

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Sports

Helicopter High-altitude Rescue Operation Drill Conducted

Published: 2024-10-24 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The head of the National Emergency Management Agency, Major General G. Ariunbuyan, and General Regis Colcombe, Director of Defense and Security Cooperation at the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, along with their visiting delegation, today visited a joint high-altitude rescue operation drill at the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. The drill involved personnel from the 111th Air Search and Rescue Unit, the National Rescue Brigade, and the City Rescue Unit, who participated in the two-week training. The exercise was led by instructors from the French National High-altitude Rescue Training Center, Captain Niviere Jean-Francis and Captain Maurice Gabriel. Conducting regular helicopter-based high-altitude rescue operation drills is crucial for enhancing the skills of the personnel and ensuring operational readiness.

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Today's Stories

Politics

Economy

Diplomacy

Infrastructure

Society

Environment

Innovation

Health

Sports

Politics

Prime Minister to Report on Port Recovery Policy Implementation

B. Enkhbayar: The Government is Taking Away the Parliament's Exclusive Right to Exempt Taxes

The Prime Minister to Provide Information on Port Revival Implementation at Tomorrow's Parliamentary Session

Women's Representation in 2024 Elections

Trial Postponed for J. Puntsag Concerning Allegations of Bribery in Freight Train Queue Manipulation

Economy

5 trillion investment needed in education sector

Hannes Takash: We Are Ready to Invest in and Finance Renewable Energy

M. Mandkhai: The Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry Will Provide ₮554 Billion in Subsidies to the Private Sector

J. Enkhbayar: 77 Billion Loan Interest Subsidies Will Be Provided to Production

D. Sumiyabazar, who failed to become director of Erdenet Factory, might be appointed as director of Erdenes Mongol LLC

Perspective: The Impact of Two Elections on the Dollar Exchange Rate

"If the funds are kept safely, it doesn't matter if there's no yield"

Diplomacy

Discussion on 'Cooperation for Sustainable Development' Held

Selenge: Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Delegates Visit Selenge Province

L. Oyun-Erdene: The United Nations is a platform for sovereign states to express themselves and a free meeting point

B.Battsetseg: Progress Made in Addressing Issues Raised by Companies to Embassies

Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene Visits the United Nations in Mongolia and Extends Congratulations

United Nations Day is Today

Infrastructure

Request to Collaborate with Italy's 'Leonardo' to Reduce Traffic Congestion in Ulaanbaatar

S.Tsenguun: If We Don't Initiate Energy Reforms Swiftly, 3-4 Hour Power Outages Will Become Normal Soon

No Vehicle Registration Numbers Issued in Ulaanbaatar from 8th Next Month

Fix the Theft in the Energy Sector Before Raising Prices!

Insufficient Infrastructure Access Is a Major Cause of Increasing Population Density

B. Byambasaikhan: Repair Work on Gants Hudag and Bumbugur Dams Damaged by Last Year's Flood Continues

Dangerous Cargo Vehicles to be Inspected Twice a Year

Responsibility for Delivery Vehicles Without Winter Tires

Society

American Center in Ulaanbaatar Celebrates 20th Anniversary

INFOGRAPHIC: 665 Thousand People Have Migrated to Ulaanbaatar Since 2000

70% of Social Interactions Regulated by Procedures Leading to Corruption

Environment

Research on Ulaanbaatar's Greenhouse Gases and Environmental Pollution to be Completed Next Year

BULGAN: "Clear Sky Grove" Project Implemented in Gurvanbulag District

Decision to Re-establish the Naransavstain Pass Opposed by Environmentalists

Project to designate Onon, Balj Natural Complex as a protected area initiated

Innovation

Warning: Fake news targeting education sector employees on social media

Health

C. Bazaragchaa: To Reduce Tuberculosis, Long-term Policy and Funding for Implementation Are Needed

T. Munkhsaikhan: Decision Made to Make Some Medicines Available Without Prescription, Request Sent to Suppliers

"If internationally, 3-4 nurses work per doctor, in Mongolia, only one nurse is assigned per doctor. The number of nurses is very low."

EVENT: Civil Society Leadership Forum on Tuberculosis Eradication in Mongolia

1.3 Million People Die of Tuberculosis in Our Country

News Guide: "Gas Safety" Training to be Held

T.Munkhsaikhan: The Drug Registration Will Be Modified to Allow Some Medications to Be Available Without a Prescription

Sports

Helicopter High-altitude Rescue Operation Drill Conducted

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