Sep 18, 2024 64 min read Daily News Summaries

Mongolia News Summary for September 18, 2024

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

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Politics

The Court Hearing of P. Lkhagvasuren, Who Granted a Loan to His Son While Working as the Director of the Education Loan Fund, Will Be Held Today

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: eguur.mn

The court hearing concerning the case of former Education Loan Fund director P. Lkhagvasuren is scheduled to take place today at the Sukhbaatar, Bayanzurkh, and Chingeltei District Primary Criminal Courts.

P. Lkhagvasuren served as the director of the Education Loan Fund from 2016 to 2019. During this period, in 2017, his daughter L. Sarnai received a loan from the Education Loan Fund. However, this occurred without an announcement for selection, and the school she enrolled in was not among the top 100, among other issues. Due to such irregularities, the Independent Authority Against Corruption (IAAC) conducted a search at P. Lkhagvasuren's residence in June of the previous year and continued the investigation.

Consequently, the Prosecutor's Office of the Capital City has charged him under Article 22.1, Paragraph 2 of the Criminal Code for Abuse of Power and Official Position, and transferred the case to the Sukhbaatar District Primary Criminal Court for trial.

Handcuffs Placed on Journalism through Charges against N.Önörtsötség

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: news.mn

The First Instance Criminal Court of Sukhbaatar District sentenced journalist N.Önörtsötség, finding her guilty of spreading false information that damaged the reputation and fame of four specific citizens and one legal entity. She was also found guilty of obtaining and disseminating protected private information without consent on a social network, deliberately underreporting and concealing a significant amount of income to evade taxes, knowingly using assets obtained from tax evasion crimes, and possessing information classified as state secrets. She received a sentence of four years and nine months in an open prison.

The court explained that the case involved state secrets and sensitive personal information, necessitating a trial conducted entirely in private as prescribed by law.

The charges against N.Önörtsötség should concern both the media sector and the wider public. They raise important questions about what it means to be a journalist.

The investigative agency that charged N.Önörtsötség, the prosecutors who monitored the case, and the court that sentenced her must clarify their understanding of "storing state secret information" and "spreading information to the public." For journalists, especially investigative journalists, their job is to find and deliver information that the public cannot access on its own.

In times when evidence of massive thefts is concealed under state secrets, a journalist obtaining such information should be seen as fulfilling their professional duty.

Journalists and reporters are not responsible for defining and securing state secrets; that responsibility lies with other entities. For the Mongolian court to convict a journalist of "storing state secrets" and "spreading information" is an attack on press freedom and a failure to identify the real culprits.

This case seems to be a targeted action to suppress and silence N.Önörtsötség. The question remains, whose interests did she challenge?

It seems certain that this will eventually be revealed as a case of persecution.

Is Khaltmaa Battulga the City Election Partner of D. Amarbaysgalan and S. Amarsaikhan?

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: eguur.mn

There is speculation within the Mongolian People's Party (MPP) that before the City Council elections, Speaker of the Parliament D. Amarbaysgalan and Deputy Prime Minister S. Amarsaikhan are shifting their interests towards the Democratic Party (DP) and are allegedly financing Khaltmaa Battulga's team, often referred to as "Jenko." Some even suggest that Battulga has managed to take over more than 30 out of the 45 candidates nominated by the city's DP.

This raises the question of why the city election has become so valuable and what kind of cross-party interest networks might be forming. The answer lies in the major projects expected in Ulaanbaatar over the next four years. A large portion of the 40 trillion tugrug projects are based in the city, involving significant financial and power transactions.

The competition between the two main political parties in the City Council election essentially turns into a race between Kh. Nyambaatar and Kh. Battulga. Whichever side wins will control the flow of power and money associated with these projects.

Once again, it has been openly announced that 35 out of the 43 candidates representing the DP are associates of Battulga. The city's DP is led by "Jenkoist" T. Batzogt, and behind this is the influence of former President Battulga, who became a member of the Parliament.

However, it's noteworthy that among those connected to Battulga, apart from the director of "Meat Impex," there are few wealthy or influential figures. Elections require money, and it's peculiar how they manage to raise campaign funds and finances.

Kh. Battulga's Focus on City Council rather than Parliamentary Elections

Since leaving the office of the President, Battulga has largely stayed out of the public eye. His primary focus has been on appointing party leaders in provinces and districts to be loyal to him. Even during the parliamentary elections, he managed to secure the loyalty of many regional party chapters.

Contrary to appearances, he refrained from aggressively participating in the parliamentary elections, seemingly yielding seats to other factions, while pulling strings in the city council elections to secure around 70% of the 45 mandates.

Recognizing the critical juncture Ulaanbaatar city has reached — with anticipated reforms in congestion, public transport, and urban planning, starting with projects like middle-class housing development in "Selbe Subcentre" and freeing up land — it's no surprise that Battulga, as a politician, would capitalize on this moment. A metro project is being designed, with geotechnical studies underway.

Within the MPP, the traditional city faction is losing strength, making way for new opposition ambitions and forces. Should Battulga succeed in seizing power, the upcoming four years present an opportunity to influence major projects in the capital.

This City Council election draws significant attention due to the stakes involved in controlling these interests.

The New Alliance between D. Amarbaysgalan, S. Amarsaikhan, and Kh. Battulga

On the other side, the alliance between Speaker D. Amarbaysgalan and Deputy Prime Minister S. Amarsaikhan also gains attention. Amarbaysgalan aims to settle controversies surrounding "Admineral" LLC's coal processing plant issue after becoming Speaker. Additionally, he harbors ambitions to rival Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene in influence.

S. Amarsaikhan reportedly found it surprising when he became a Member of Parliament from a city leadership position, having profited for years by negotiating and resolving administrative tasks. As a Member of Parliament, he found fewer opportunities, leading him to lobby within the party and, with Amarbaysgalan's support, land a position closer to administrative affairs as Deputy Prime Minister. However, the new government structure somewhat diluted the powers of the Deputy Prime Minister, once again reducing Amarsaikhan to a "toothless lion."

With the current parliament placing a focus on members elected from Ulaanbaatar, there are indications that D. Amarbaysgalan and S. Amarsaikhan have begun collaborating in the city council elections, not on Kh. Nyambaatar's side but aligning with Battulga.

The Other Side: Kh. Nyambaatar

In three years, the City Council is expected to nominate a new city mayor. In simple terms, they will decide whether the next city governor will be Kh. Nyambaatar or another person. Moreover, the capital has gained self-governing legislation and mechanisms for raising its own funds.

Therefore, City Council representatives are set to hold greater influence than before in the capital.

Positioned against the cross-party cooperation of D. Amarbaysgalan, S. Amarsaikhan, and Kh. Battulga, Kh. Nyambaatar finds himself as the main competitor.

Kh. Nyambaatar resigned from the Parliament and is currently focusing on Ulaanbaatar, which is not a politically advantageous seat as it requires resolving accumulated issues from the last two decades in a short period — a daunting task for a politician who previously served as Minister of Justice and Internal Affairs.

On the other hand, this was a task assigned by the party, and thus he is determined to see it through by laying the groundwork for over a year for reforms in the capital.

While in Parliament and government, Kh. Nyambaatar did not maintain favorable relations with D. Amarbaysgalan. It's no secret that Nyambaatar is subtly cleaning up some of Amarsaikhan's mess from his tenure as mayor. Battulga is directly Nyambaatar's competitor. Recent developments and the positions expressed by both sides indicate an intensifying rivalry.

In essence, Battulga and his associates have started funding and preparing candidates who lack financial resources and influence, against Kh. Nyambaatar in forming the City Council.

Education Minister's Press Representative T. Otgonbaatar Nominated for City Council

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: eguur.mn

Yesterday, Education Minister P. Naranbayar announced a plan to issue teaching licenses through a 45-day course. During this event, former leader of the "Truth and Justice Party," A. Otgonbaatar, posed a question and subsequently expressed his dissatisfaction by throwing an egg. T. Otgonbaatar, the press representative of the minister, intervened and had a physical altercation during the press conference.

T. Otgonbaatar is the secretary of the HUN party and has been affiliated with and working for the party since 2020. When P. Naranbayar became the minister, Otgonbaatar was appointed as his representative, and now he is nominated for the 2nd district of Bayanzurkh for the City Council from his party.

In addition, he is organizing "Hun Academy" training aimed at young people interested in politics and aspiring to lead politically, in collaboration with members of his party.

In terms of education,

He holds a bachelor's degree in economics and demography from the National University of Mongolia.

Regarding previous work experience before joining the HUN party,

Research Manager at APU JSC
Research Manager at APU Trading LLC
Founder and CEO of Agula Consulting LLC.

Enkhbold Z.: A High Official Accuses Citizen of Slander for the First Time

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: news.mn

Former Chairman of the State Great Khural, Z. Enkhbold, made a statement regarding an issue involving the Mayor of Ulaanbaatar, Kh. Nyambaatar.

He stated, "Mayor Kh. Nyambaatar repeatedly mentioned my name and accused me of slander. There was an issue concerning the replacement of road curbs, where cheap curbs were allegedly sold at a high price, and I was accused as if I had instigated this. During the time that Nyambaatar was talking about, I was in Uvurkhangai planting trees, so unless I had an extendable long arm, it would have been impossible for me to break curbs from there. He also accused me of being a foreign spy. In relation to this, I have filed a complaint with the 2nd Unit of the relevant police department, requesting a criminal investigation under Article 13, Section 14 of the Criminal Code. I did not understand which country's spy he was referring to when he called me a foreign agent. There are groups like MCS, which are a coalition of Mongolian and Chinese groups that want to steal 'Erdenes Tavantolgoi'. Nyambaatar seems to be lamenting the loss of income because it wasn't given to them, as he is one of them. The amount of 100 trillion MNT he was talking about would have belonged to a Chinese company if I hadn't stopped it with 40 members of the State Great Khural. It seems that's why he's calling me an agent. I have no other crime unless you consider leaving 'Erdenes Tavantolgoi' for the Mongolian people instead of giving it to China as a crime.

When the curb issue arose, I went live from Uyanga soum in Uvurkhangai Province and said, 'I am here, Nyambaatar, apologize.' Since I have not received a response yet, I came today to file a complaint. Nyambaatar must prove that I broke the curb and that I am a foreign agent. If he can't, then he will face charges. Over the last eight years, the MPP has continuously led Ulaanbaatar for essentially 108 years, while looking at the current state of the city with so much money and not repairing the roads. These are roads that should have been repaired over the past eight years. But look at the curbs they bought. I have been constantly criticizing from the perspective of a taxpayer citizen, and accusing me of breaking curbs for that is unethical behavior for a person holding a high state office. This is the first time that a high official has accused a citizen of slander. If a state official at the rank of a minister is accusing a citizen of slander, they should take responsibility for their words," he said.

T. Khayankharvaa to Be Nominated in Place of D. Munkh-Erdene

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: news.mn

The Democratic Party nominated D. Munkh-Erdene for the Ulaanbaatar City's Citizens' Representative Khural (UITKH) elections. However, the city's election committee announced last week that they refused to register him due to a past conviction for abusing his position, which resulted in state damage. In response, the Democratic Party has decided to nominate T. Khayankharvaa in Munkh-Erdene's stead. Another member, Ts. Erdenebileg, who had outstanding tax debts, has settled his dues, thus making him eligible to be a candidate.

To recall, last week, the chairman of the city's election committee, P. Khadbaatar, stated that a resolution was issued to refuse registration for 33 candidates in the UITKH elections. He noted, "A total of 15 parties and one coalition have registered to participate in the UITKH elections. According to Article 31 of the Law on Elections of Provincial, Capital City, Sum (district), and Duureg (district) Representative Councils, 282 candidate documents were submitted from 15 parties and one coalition.

As per Article 27.5 of the same law, necessary documents from candidates to confirm party or coalition registration were requested. On September 11, the issue of candidate registration was discussed with the Ulaanbaatar General Registration Office (UBGR). According to Article 19.1 of the electoral law, the Election Committees discuss issues related to the powers outlined in Articles 16 and 17 of the law, and resolutions are passed by majority vote of the members present. Thus, all 282 candidates were individually introduced, and a decision was made to refuse registration for 33 candidates."

Economy

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: eguur.mn

The Court of Appeal for Criminal Cases in the Capital discussed the case involving B. Gankhuyag and T. Ayursaikhan.

As a result, the imprisonment of B. Gankhuyag, the former Executive Director of "Erdenes Tavantolgoi" LLC, was reduced to three years and nine months, and that of T. Ayursaikhan, the former Member of the Parliament, was reduced to two years and six months.

Additionally, the defendant B. Otgonjargal was acquitted.

This was the first and most clearly discussed case within the scope of the so-called "coal" issue. Yet, at the end of the official announcement of the Appellate Court, it was stated, "No factual evidence related to a coal-related crime was obtained in this case, the prosecutor did not submit an indictment regarding this to the court, and no trial was held in the first instance court," it says.

In other words, the case involving 11 people, including B. Gankhuyag and T. Ayursaikhan, was declared not to be coal-related from the beginning.

Originally, a decision was made to remove T. Ayursaikhan from his position as a Member of Parliament due to his involvement in the coal case. Due to leading ETT LLC, B. Gankhuyag was also judged.

However, it attracted attention that the court later stated that they were not judged on coal-related issues. If not coal, then what crime were they convicted of?

According to widely covered reports, the reason was that B. Gankhuyag unlawfully enriched himself and took bribes while he was the Executive Director of ETT LLC. Then, the Appellate Court dismissed the claim that B. Gankhuyag "unlawfully enriched" himself. It was considered that T. Ayursaikhan also unlawfully enriched himself by collaborating with B. Gankhuyag. That money was traced back to "Erdenes Tavantolgoi" LLC or coal.

Initially, the prosecutor's office accused B. Gankhuyag of being unable to explain the increase in his assets. The first instance court had the same stance. But did B. Gankhuyag manage to explain his unlawful enrichment in the appellate court?

Questions are arising about whether B. Gankhuyag and T. Ayursaikhan were judged fairly as stated above.

The Growth in Total Production was Mainly Driven by Mining Extraction

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: eguur.mn

After evaluating the preliminary performance for the first eight months of 2024, the total production in the industrial sector reached 21.1 trillion tugriks, a growth of 2.2 trillion tugriks (11.4%) from the same period in the previous year. This growth was primarily influenced by a 2.0 trillion tugrik (14.8%) increase in mining extraction and a 90.0 billion tugrik (7.6%) increase in the electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning sectors.

In the mining and extraction industry, the total production reached 15.3 trillion tugriks in the first eight months of 2024. This indicates an increase of 2.0 trillion tugriks (14.8%) compared to the same period last year, largely due to:

Extraction of stone and brown coal increased by 2.0 trillion tugriks (37.6%).
Extraction of other minerals increased by 51.6 billion tugriks (30.6%).

In the mining and extraction industries, the production of copper concentrate, metal contents, silver concentrate, brown coal, enriched coal, fluorspar concentrate, iron ore, stone coal, zinc concentrate, iron ore concentrate, and fluorspar increased by 2.0% to 57.9% from the same period last year. However, there was a decline of 12.8% to 14.5% in the production of unrefined gold and crude oil.

In the manufacturing industry, the physical volume of production for key products such as liquid milk, cement, water, beverages, juice, and white vodka increased by 5.7% to 40.8%. However, the production of key products such as metal castings, cashmere knitted items, pure alcohol, pressed coal briquettes, lime, livestock meat, flour, cigarettes, combed cashmere, and cathode copper decreased by 1.0% to 38.9%.

NSO: Average Salary Reached 2.4 Million Tugriks

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: news.mn

The National Statistical Office has released the consolidated data for the second quarter of 2024 to the public.

According to this information, the average monthly salary per employee has reached 2.4 million tugriks, which is an increase of 574.8 thousand tugriks from the same period last year and 181.2 thousand tugriks from the previous quarter. However, salaries vary depending on the industry.

For instance, employees in the mining sector earn the highest monthly salary at 5.1 million tugriks, which is an increase of 456 thousand tugriks from the same period last year. On the other hand, salaries for those in the hotel and public catering services sector are the lowest at 1.5 million tugriks, representing an increase of 289.7 thousand tugriks from the same period last year.

This average salary was calculated based on the salaries of 775.7 thousand employees who have paid social insurance contributions.

Moreover, among all insured individuals, 16.9% earn over 3.5 million tugriks, while 2.5% earn up to 550 thousand tugriks.

Looking at the types of organizations, monthly average salaries are 2.7 million tugriks for employees of joint-stock companies and 3.0 million tugriks for those in state-owned enterprises, which are 276.2 thousand tugriks above the national average. However, those working in other organizations earn on average 31.2 thousand tugriks less than the national average. In budgetary organizations, the average monthly salary is 2.4 million tugriks, having risen by 883.6 thousand tugriks from the same period last year.

The Balance of Payments had a Deficit of $136.2 Million in the First Seven Months of This Year

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The Balance of Payments in the preliminary results of the first seven months of 2024 showed a deficit of $136.2 million, as reported by the National Statistics Committee.

The current account balance was a surplus of $333.8 million in the first seven months of 2023, but the preliminary results for the first seven months of 2024 indicate a deficit of $609.0 million.

The capital account balance for the first seven months of 2024 recorded a surplus of $90.2 million, which is an increase of $23.7 million (35.6%) compared to the same period of the previous year.

The financial account balance showed a surplus of $744.3 million in the preliminary results of the first seven months of 2024. This is an increase of $790.5 million compared to the same period of the previous year.

Warning:

Media (television, radio, social, and web pages) must fully or partially use our information with the source being appropriately cited (ikon.mn).

Our Country Conducted $12.8 Billion in Trade with China in the First Eight Months of 2024

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The National Statistical Office presented the foreign trade indicators of Mongolia's society and economy for the first eight months of 2024.

During the first eight months of this year, our country traded with a total of 155 countries. The total turnover of foreign trade reached $18.1 billion. Of this, exports reached $10.6 billion, imports reached $7.5 billion, resulting in a trade balance surplus of $3.1 billion.

Additionally, the total turnover of goods increased by $2.2 billion compared to the same period last year, exports increased by $629 million, imports by $1.6 billion, while the balance decreased by $835 million.

Also, $12.8 billion worth of trade was conducted with China during the first eight months of this year, accounting for 70.5% of the total foreign trade turnover.

Exports increased by $620 million compared to the same period last year, with coal exports increasing by $372.5 million or 12.8 million tons to reach 55.4 million tons. Meanwhile, copper concentrate increased by $195.9 million or 16,800 tons, and gold increased by $159.7 million or 1.2 tons, which were the main contributors.

Mining products accounted for 93.3% of the exports in the first eight months of 2024, while agricultural products constituted 4.7%. Exports to China accounted for 91.9%, and those to Switzerland 4.4%.

Imports amounted to $7.5 billion in the first eight months, an increase of $1.6 billion compared to the same period last year. Imports of passenger vehicles increased by $238.3 million, cargo trucks by $112 million, diesel fuel by $144.3 million, large machinery and equipment by $118 million, and telecommunications apparatus by $64.9 million, which were the main factors of influence.

The Price of Consumer Goods and Services Increased by 6.5% in August This Year Compared to the Same Period Last Year

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The National Statistics Office of Mongolia presented the social and economic indicators for the first eight months of 2024.

The price of consumer goods and services increased by 6.5% nationwide in August 2024 compared to the same period last year, and by 0.8% from the previous month.

This increase was mainly influenced by food and beverages at 7.3%, clothing and footwear at 7.2%, household furniture and goods at 6.9%, hotel, public catering, and accommodation services at 7.4%, and education services at 18.6%.

The inflation rate, or the price of consumer goods and services, was 10% in August 2023, but decreased by 3.5 percentage points to 6.5% in August this year. The price of imported goods contributed 32.3% to inflation.

NSO: Mining and Extraction Workers Have the Highest Salary of 5.1 Million Tugriks

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: eguur.mn

According to the social insurance payment report of the General Department of Social Insurance, as of the second quarter of 2024, a total of 775.7 thousand employees from 51.7 thousand enterprises and organizations (EOOs) are covered. The number of EOOs paying social insurance premiums (SIP) increased by 1654 (3.3%) compared to the same period last year and 1460 (2.9%) from the previous quarter, while the number of employees also grew by 18.5 thousand (2.4%) compared to last year and 22.3 thousand (3.0%) from the previous quarter.

In the social insurance payment report of the second quarter of 2024, among the total insured:

112.4 thousand (14.5%) are from the education sector,
111.1 thousand (14.3%) are from the wholesale and retail trade, vehicle repair sector,
79.2 thousand (10.2%) are from public administration, defense, and compulsory social security sector,
73.6 thousand (9.5%) are from the manufacturing industry,
52.3 thousand (6.7%) are from the construction sector,
51.7 thousand (6.7%) are from the transportation and storage sector,
49.0 thousand (6.3%) are from the human health and social work sector,
45.2 thousand (5.8%) are from the mining and quarrying sector,
30.2 thousand (3.9%) are from the financial and insurance sector,
28.8 thousand (3.7%) are from administrative and support service activities,
142.3 thousand (18.3%) are from other sectors.

The average monthly salary of the 775.7 thousand employees included in the social insurance payment report of the second quarter of 2024 is 2027.0 thousand tugriks. The median salary increased by 591.8 thousand tugriks (41.2%) from the same period last year and 228.4 thousand tugriks (12.7%) from the previous quarter. The average monthly salary per employee in the second quarter of 2024 is 2464.9 thousand tugriks, showing an increase of 574.8 thousand tugriks (30.4%) from the previous year and 181.2 thousand tugriks (7.9%) from the previous quarter.

The average nominal monthly wage index of EOO employees was 201.9 in the second quarter of 2024, having doubled since 2020, while the real wage index increased by 39.5%.

In the second quarter of 2024, the average salary of workers in the mining and quarrying sector was the highest at 5.1 million tugriks, having increased by 456.0 thousand tugriks (9.8%) from the same period last year. On the other hand, the lowest wage was in the hotel, accommodation, and food service activities sector, with an average salary of 1.5 million tugriks, which increased by 289.7 thousand tugriks (23.5%) from last year.

Source: National Statistics Office

As of August 2024, Money Supply Reached ₮41.6 Trillion, Up by 27% from the Same Period Last Year

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The National Statistics Committee of Mongolia has released financial and credit information for the first eight months of 2024.

By the end of August this year, preliminary results show that the money supply reached 41.6 trillion MNT, which represents an increase of 8.9 trillion MNT or 27% from the same period last year. This growth was mainly influenced by an increase of 5.8 trillion MNT in savings deposits and an increase of 3.8 trillion MNT in demand deposits in local currency.

Of the total 20.2 trillion MNT in local currency savings, 86% is held by individuals and 14% by businesses.

As of the end of August this year, the total outstanding loan debt reached 34.5 trillion MNT, rising by 8.6 trillion MNT from the same period last year. This increase was mainly influenced by the 6.2 trillion MNT rise in individual loan debt.

Of the total outstanding loan debt, 60% belongs to individuals, 38.3% to private organizations, 0.7% to the government, and 1% to financial and other organizations. Among the total outstanding debt, 90.5% is regular loans, 3.8% is categorized for attention, and 5.7% is non-performing loans.

The average salary reached 2.5 million MNT, and the median salary became 2 million MNT

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The National Statistics Office has presented the average salary amount following the second quarter of 2024.

According to the Social Insurance General Office's report on social insurance tax payments, a total of 51,700 enterprises and 775,700 employees were covered by the second quarter of 2024.

The number of enterprises and organizations paying social insurance taxes increased by 1,654 compared to the same period last year, and by 1,460 from the previous quarter. Meanwhile, the number of employees increased by 18,500 compared to the same period last year.

The average monthly salary per employee as of the second quarter of 2024 was 2.5 million MNT, while the median salary became 2 million MNT.

The highest average salary was in the mining sector at 5.1 million MNT. Conversely, the lowest average salary was in the hotel, accommodation, and public catering services sector, at 1.5 million MNT.

Mongolian Company Succeeds in the Philippines

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Traveler G. Gankhüü recently visited and introduced a Mongolian company operating in Manila, Philippines, garnering public attention and appreciation. "Chico" company, founded by Otgonbat Samdan, the CEO of MicroGlobus Financial Group, is providing loans in the Philippines through information technology solutions.

In the bustling city of Manila, home to 20 million people, 112,000 Filipinos have already received loans through 10 terminals using software developed by Mongolian engineers. These smart devices operate 24/7 and allow for quick loans from the Mongolian company in under 2 minutes.

The Mongolian company named after the famous and rare fruit “Chico” received the biggest award from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This award is given based on several criteria, including the introduction of new technology, user-friendliness, high wages for local staff, and reliable tax payments.

Two Mongolian individuals manage the "Chico" company daily, which employs 36 Filipinos and is currently developing a mobile loan application. Otgonbat Samdan established a microloan company in the United States in 2017, pioneering a new path in Mongolia's financial and information technology sectors. The success of Chico's project in the Philippines is a key to entering larger markets like Indonesia, which has over 260 million people in Southeast Asia.

Otgonbat Samdan is also known for philanthropic efforts such as creating a new forest on a barren hillside and establishing 9 new bicycle parking stations in the city. The fintech technology developed by Chico is paving the way for changing the history of Mongolians exporting cheap raw materials.

Clarification: The COVID Law Does Not Prohibit Dollar Transfers

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: eguur.mn

There have been concerns among the public in the digital space about the Bank of Mongolia allegedly prohibiting dollar transactions under the guise of the COVID law while charging high transaction fees.

When asked for clarification, an official stated, "There is no such restriction or fee issue from the Bank of Mongolia under the name of the COVID law. We only supervise the operations of commercial banks and cannot interfere in their internal affairs, especially in currency transactions and transaction fees. The fee rate varies depending on the bank they are dealing with."

Additionally, it was noted that, according to Article 18.1 of the COVID law implemented in 2020, the period of validity for this law has already ended.

Mongolian Company Provides Loans in the Philippines

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: news.mn

The company run by young Mongolians is making waves in the Philippines, a country with over 110 million people, as reported from the field by traveler Gankhüü Gantömör. The "Chiko" company, founded by Otgonbat Samdan, is managed daily by two young Mongolians and employs 40 Filipino staff. The Mongolian "Chiko" company has set up ten kiosks in the city of Manila, which has a population of 20 million. Since 2022, using smart terminals equipped with software developed by Mongolian engineers, 112,000 Filipinos have obtained loans.

Having won the Golden Globe Award from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, the next destination for this Mongolian company is the South Asian markets of Thailand, with 80 million people, and Indonesia, with 260 million people. Before this achievement, Otgonbat Samdan established a microloan company in America and paved the way.

Otgonbat Samdan is known for his creative and developmental initiatives, such as growing a new forest with over 23,000 trees in Erdene soum, Central aimag, and creating nine new bicycle stations in Ulaanbaatar city.

The "Chiko" company demonstrates that Mongolians can break into large international markets by mining their intellect rather than mountains.

Infrastructure

Discussed the Issue of Resuming the Ulaanbaatar-Beijing Train Journey

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: eguur.mn

The coordination meeting for the schedule and composition of international passenger trains for 2024-2025 of the Railways Cooperative Organization /OSJD-CIT/ Passenger Transport Commission's second section was successfully held in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

The second section of the OSJD's Passenger Transport Commission includes countries such as Vietnam, North Korea, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia. Representatives from the "Ulaanbaatar Railway" JSC participated in the meeting.

During the meeting, discussions were held on continuing the Ulaanbaatar-Irkutsk train and adding additional carriages during the summer months, initiating the Ulaanbaatar-Beijing train journey after the major repair work on the Beijing-Fengshan route is completed, organizing the trial journey of the Beijing-Moscow train number 3/4 within this year, and continuing studies on resuming the Ulaanbaatar-Moscow train number 5/6.

Notably, after the COVID-19 pandemic, China has only resumed international passenger train movements with Laos and Mongolia. Currently, "Ulaanbaatar Railway" JSC is operating international passenger trains with China on the Ulaanbaatar-Erlian and Ulaanbaatar-Hohhot routes, and with Russia on the Ulaanbaatar-Irkutsk route.

The Road from the Railway School Intersection to "Grand" Plaza Will Be Renovated

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: news.mn

As part of the partial repair and renovation of Khonkhi Street in Bayangol District, the road from the Railway School intersection to "Grand" Plaza will be closed and renovated from 23:00 on September 21 to 06:00 on the 24th.

Therefore, citizens and drivers, please choose alternative routes to participate in traffic.

Ch. Batzorig: Pedestrian and Bicycle Path from Natur Road to Narny Road Will Be Constructed

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: news.mn

Due to unplanned and disordered land allocations, the residents of the 25th and 43rd sub-districts in the Bayanzurkh District are continuously facing rights violations with no pedestrian and bicycle paths.

The Governor's advisor of the Capital City, Ch. Batzorig, addressed this issue on-site. He introduced the residents to a project aimed at improving the accessibility of pedestrian and bicycle paths by constructing a model pedestrian path connecting Narny Road to Natur Road, with land acquisition underway.

The land acquisition involves 33 units of land, four of which are operated by enterprises with construction permits. These enterprises have been offered alternative land, while compensation is being provided to the remaining 29 entities to facilitate the land acquisition process. They aim to complete the land clearance in September and October.

The Road Renovation from the Railway University Intersection to "Grand" Plaza Will Begin on Saturday

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The road renovation from the Railway University intersection to "Grand" Plaza will commence on Saturday.

As part of the partial repairs and renovations on Khonkho Street in Bayangol District, the roadway from the Railway University's intersection to "Grand" Plaza will be closed from 11:00 PM on September 21 to 6:00 AM on the 24th.

Therefore, citizens and drivers are advised to use other routes during this period.

Source: Press and Public Relations Department, City Mayor's Office

Warning

Media organizations (TV, radio, social media, and websites) must fully or partially use our information by acknowledging the source (ikon.mn).

Road Closures in Four Locations on Car-Free Day

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

On the upcoming Saturday, coinciding with Car-Free Day, the Ulaanbaatar Road Traffic Authority has planned repairs in certain locations.

The Director of Ulaanbaatar Road Development Department, O. Enkhbaatar, explained, "In line with Car-Free Day, we have planned to partially close roads in four locations. Specifically, within the Sun Road renovation, we will be closing the southern part of the 650-meter road from the park's western intersection to the 'Urbanik' intersection on the 21st, the day of Car-Free Day, to carry out pavement work, and will then close the northern road on the 22nd.

The road will not be completely closed. Traffic will flow in one direction.

Additionally, we plan to partially close the road from Yarmag Bridge for 550 meters. Repair work will be completed on the 21st and 22nd, and it is planned to reopen on the morning of the 23rd.

Thirdly, Archivers' Street, from the aviation safety roundabout to the General Archives, will be partially closed. On the first day, the right lane will be closed, followed by the other lane on the next day.

Furthermore, the road from Anduud to Ugöözh intersection will be closed on the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd for repairs," he said.

Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social Media, and Web Pages) must cite the source (ikon.mn) when using our information in any form, either completely or partially!

Discussions Held to Resume Ulaanbaatar-Beijing Train Service

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The consultation meeting for agreeing on the international passenger train schedule and composition for 2024-2025 for the railways of the second section of the Organization for Cooperation between Railways (OSJD) Passenger Transport Commission was successfully held in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Vietnam, North Korea, China, Cuba, Russia, and Mongolia are among the countries in the second section of the OSJD Passenger Transport Commission. Representatives from "Ulaanbaatar Railway" JSC participated in the consultation.

During the meeting, they discussed continuing the Ulaanbaatar-Irkutsk train service with additional carriages to be attached during the summer season; launching the Ulaanbaatar-Beijing train service once the major repairs on the Beijing-Fengshan route are completed; organizing a test trip for the Beijing-Moscow train number 3/4 within this year; and continuing research on resuming the Ulaanbaatar-Moscow train number 5/6 service.

It is worth mentioning that after the COVID pandemic, China has only resumed international passenger train services with Laos and Mongolia. As of today, "Ulaanbaatar Railway" JSC operates international passenger trains with China on the Ulaanbaatar-Erenhot and Ulaanbaatar-Hohhot routes, and with Russia on the Ulaanbaatar-Irkutsk route.

Z. Tsevendorj: Some Public Transportation Routes Will Change on Saturday

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The "Car-Free Day 2024" event is scheduled for September 21. On this day, adjustments to vehicular traffic will be made. Z. Tsevendorj, Head of the Administrative and Management Department of the Public Transportation Policy Office, has provided the following information regarding these adjustments.

He stated, "Following the directive of the city mayor, the Public Transportation Policy Office has been tasked with amending certain public transportation routes.

On Car-Free Day, changes will be made to all transportation vehicles traveling:

From the East Four Road to the West Four Road,
Through Peace Avenue,
Along Small Ring Road.

Vehicles traveling from north to south and vice versa will be directed around the Large Ring Road. Vehicles entering and turning around Sukhbaatar Square and Small Ring Road will be subject to short turn adjustments.

Currently, routes for 345 vehicles across 41 lines are being planned for changes. Despite these route changes, the number of 945 vehicles operating on weekends will remain the same," he explained.

Specifically, the Public Transportation Policy Office announced temporary route adjustments for the following lines:

M:1Ma 5 Shar - Officers' Palace
Ch:2Ma Sharchad's End - 3rd, 4th Microdistricts
M:2Ma Zunjin Shopping Center - Bayanburd
Ch:23Ma Chingeltei /Heart Hill/ - Sun Crown
Ch:43Ma Bayankhoshuu - 6th Microdistrict
Ch:50ma Ulaanhuaran - TPP3
Ch:63Ma Khan Hills Residence - Central Stadium
Ch:66Ma Zaisan - 120 Myangat
Ch:70Ma TPP3 - 6th Microdistrict
Ch:71Ma 120 Myangat - Bayan Mongol Complex
Ch:29A-Ma Selbe Resort - Sansar Gas Station
Ch:57Ma Ulaan Chuluut - 6th Microdistrict
Ch:57B-Ma Altan Ovoo 48th Street - 6th Microdistrict
Ch:58Ma TPP3 - Duukhee Store
Ch:7Ma Nisekh - 120 Myangat
M:3 General Archives - 120 Myangat
Ch:53Ma Yaarmag - Central Stadium
Ch:37Ma Ulaanhuaran - 4th Microdistrict
Ch:39Ma Sansar - Duukhee Store
Ch:48Ma New End of East Salaa - 6th Microdistrict
Ch:48A-Ma New End of East Salaa - 6th Microdistrict
Ch:9Ma Nisekh - Bayanburd
X:19Ma Chinggis Khaan International Airport - 120 Myangat
Ch:40Ma Altaan Taria - Ulaanhuaran’s End
Ch:18A-Ma TPP 3 - Trauma Hospital
Ch:49Ma 34 Building - Dunjingarav Shopping Center
Ch:57Ma Ulaan Chuluut - 6th Microdistrict
Ch:61Ma TPP3 - Officers' Palace
Ch:72Ma Central Stadium - Bogdhan Resort
U:30Ma General Club - New Generation Middle School
Ch:34Ma Sharchad's End - TPP3
Ch:51Ma Duukhee Store - Dunjingarav Shopping Center
Ch:52Ma Duukhee Store - Zaisan
Ch:18B-Ma TPP 3 - MZU
Ch:28Ma Selkh - Daily News
Ch:55Ma End of Denj 1000 - Zaisan
Ch:35Ma 43 of Monel - Bayanburd
Ch:69B-Ma Trauma Hospital - English School
ZU:1Ma Gunt-Jigjid-Bayanburd
ZU:2Ma Goodoi-Bayanburd
ZU:3Ma Bayanbulag-Bayanburd

Additionally, routes Ch:78 "Sukhbaatar Square - Infectious Disease Hospital" and Ch:29b "East 4 Road - Sansar - Station" will temporarily be suspended from 07:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Warning

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Ch.Batzorig: A Pedestrian and Bicycle Path Will Be Built from Naturyn Road to Narny Road

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: eguur.mn

Due to unplanned and disorganized land allocation, the 25th and 43rd neighborhoods of the Bayanzurkh district have been left without pedestrian and bicycle paths, violating the rights of residents.

The capital city governor's advisor, Ch.Batzorig, worked on site regarding this issue. He introduced the residents to the clearance work being carried out to build a model pedestrian path connecting Narny Road with Naturyn Road to increase accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.

Out of the 33 property units affected by the clearance, four are business entities with building permits. It has been decided to allocate other locations for these business entities, while the clearance work for the other 29 parties has been initiated by providing compensation. The goal is to complete all the clearance work by September and October.

A Set of Sediment Settling Facilities to Be Built in the 15th Khoroo of Sukhbaatar District

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: news.mn

In order to prevent the risk of flooding, the capital city is collaborating with experts from the Netherlands, Russia, China, South Korea, Japan, and other countries, as well as with water and forest engineers. Within this framework, the city's Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Infrastructure Affairs, N. Manduul, and the head of the Geodetic and Water Infrastructure Authority, B. Byambasaikhan, along with experts from the Netherlands' Government Disaster Risk Reduction Service, conducted inspections and exchanged solutions and ideas in the gullies of the 15th Khoroo in Sukhbaatar District.

During the meeting, Deputy Mayor N. Manduul stated, "The capital is working with international consultants to improve river water management, and implement it to world standards. This project's aim is not only to prevent flood risks but, in the medium and long term, to regulate river flows, accumulate water, and improve river water management by building amenities in the surrounding area."

Regarding the river water management solutions, the head of the Geodetic, Water Infrastructure Authority, B. Byambasaikhan, said, "After the flood last year, we received guidance from engineers in various countries on water and forestry. According to them, cleaning the rivers through our city, which have become polluted and filled with silt, is the best solution. Furthermore, our city is located among many mountains and is intersected by small gullies, leading to a large volume of silt flow during sudden heavy rains. Therefore, we are planning to test sediment traps that can filter the silt. In particular, we have decided to build retention ponds and water filtering sections in the settled areas of major rivers like the Selbe, Uliastai, and Tuul. Our organization plans to trial sediment traps at 2-3 sites recommended by the Dutch experts. If effective, we will expand this method to other areas."

U.Baatar: Changes Made to the Route for Land Clearance in the Geological Central Laboratory's Underpass

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Four locations in Ulaanbaatar city are planned to have underpasses beneath the railway, one of which is the reopening of the road at the Tavan Shari underpass. The work on upgrading the existing two roads is currently underway.

However, the intersection near the Geological Central Laboratory, as well as the railway underpass near the "Hermes" center, are expected to be completed by November, according to U.Baatar, the director of the "Unified Project Implementation Unit to Reduce Traffic Congestion in Ulaanbaatar."

He mentioned, "Changes have been approved to the route for land clearance for the Geological Central Laboratory’s underpass. The work will proceed according to the new route.

The main issue is to negotiate the land clearance with 27 enterprises, which requires time and financial resources. Planned and unplanned work on utility lines is causing delays," highlighting the challenges faced.

Photographs displaying the construction of the underpasses beneath the railway at the Geological Central Laboratory and the “Hermes” center.

Vehicles such as Segways, Electric Scooters, and Mopeds Will Not Participate in the Traffic in Car-Free Zones

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

A press conference was held by the relevant officials regarding the "Car-Free Day 2024" event.

Colonel B. Gombosuren, Head of the Road Traffic Management Department of the Traffic Police Department, stated, "The police organization will allocate its resources to protect public order. Let me share information about the planning of ensuring road traffic safety and where to close the streets during the Car-Free Day.

From 07:00 to 18:00 on Saturday, September 21, traffic will be restricted, and no vehicles will be allowed in the following locations: the north direction from the intersection of the University of Arts and Culture to the intersection of Food Store No. 4, the east to Darii Ekh intersection, Sansar Tunnel, Zuun Dörvön Zam, Wrestling Palace, front to Shangri-La's intersection, Children's Palace intersection, the west to Uguuj's intersection, Baruun Dörvön Zam, and Bombogur intersection, Geser Sum intersection. This is similar to previous years' traffic restrictions.

Around 360 employees will work to ensure traffic safety and temporary closures at approximately 310 points.

Residents within these areas are advised that no vehicles will pass through these locations.

The movement of mechanical vehicles will be completely restricted within the specified zone, so Segways, electric scooters, and mopeds will be prohibited in the aforementioned areas," he said.

Warning: Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social, and Web pages) must mention the source (ikon.mn) when using all or part of our information in any form.

Society

The crime rate increased by 17.2% compared to the same period last year, mainly influenced by crimes against traffic safety

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The number of registered crimes reached 4,444 in August 2024, showing an increase of 653 or 17.2% compared to the same period a year earlier, according to the National Statistics Committee.

This increase was mainly influenced by crimes against traffic safety and violations of vehicle operation regulations, which increased by 224 or 2.5 times, and crimes against property rights, which rose by 417 or 17.8%.

The damages caused by crimes in the first eight months of 2024 amounted to 416 billion tugriks, and the amount of compensated damages was 105.8 billion tugriks. This represents an increase of 136 billion tugriks, or 49%, in damages compared to the same period last year, while the compensated damages decreased by 15.7 billion tugriks or 12.9%.

Children Who Bully and Harass Peers to be Registered in Digital Personal Records

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: news.mn

The revised Child Protection Law, enacted by the Mongolian Parliament, began implementation on September 1, 2024. This updated law includes several significant provisions, as discussed in an interview with D. Undraa, a member of the National Council for Children and founder and consultant at the "Ujin Center" for Recovery of Victims of Sexual Violence.

With the constant changes in society and circumstances, it was necessary to revise both the Child Rights Law and the Child Protection Law. In recent years, children have increasingly been victims of neglect, peer bullying, and cybercrime. This called for these issues to be legislated, leading to the new law. In 2020, a working group was established to address revisions to this law. Over three years, people from various sectors were involved, extensive research was conducted, and public consultations were organized, culminating in the revised Child Protection Law being adopted by the Parliament on January 17, 2024. The National Council for Children and the National Human Rights Commission's Civil Society Council are organizing phased efforts to promote and raise awareness about the Child Protection Law in all sectors. The most recent efforts were in Dornod Province.

Before the new Child Protection Law was enforced, trainings were organized by region and locality last spring. Specifically, government officials were trained to promote the revised Child Protection Law to the public. Generally, government agencies have begun promoting the new law independently. It is suggested that schools and kindergartens, which work on child protection, take measures to explain the changes in the new law to students' parents and guardians.

Parents and guardians should also study the new Child Protection Law themselves.

All information is available online. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute to a child-friendly environment that prevents crime against children.

As of 2023, data from the Child Helpline 108 and reports to the police show that crimes resulting from child neglect and violence have increased by 50%. Annually, 35,000 to 40,000 children suffer domestic accidents. For example, there are many cases where parents do not allocate the government child allowance for the child, instead spending it on alcohol. There's also a trend of leaving younger siblings at home with underage siblings, leading to domestic accidents. Under the new Child Protection Law, medical staff must directly report to the police or the local child protection team in the event of a child's injury. Repeat offenders and irresponsible guardians will be penalized under the Criminal Code or the Law on Violations.

Neglect is defined as causing harm or attempting to cause harm to a child by depriving the child of their basic needs due to the parent's or guardian's negligence.

Neglect includes not providing necessary love, shelter, education, clothing, or basic needs.

Previously, certain acts were penalized with a fine of 300,000 MNT under Article 6.20 of the Law on Violations for harming, neglecting a child, drinking alcohol, or committing violence in front of children. With the inclusion of neglect in the revised law, amendments and additions were made to the Law on Violations and related legislation. The obligations vary based on the form of violence and the resulting damage and risk. Physical harm is dealt with based on the degree of injury, with serious cases being addressed under criminal law. Lesser cases are addressed as violations according to the Law on Violations.

There is also concern about the increase in teenage pregnancies due to parents not paying attention to what their children are doing and who they are associating with. The issue of teenage abortions is also pressing. Teenage pregnancies and abortions are some of the sensitive issues facing Mongolian society.

Annually, over 40 girls aged 10-13 and approximately 2,400 children aged 13-17 give birth.

These figures are for girls giving birth in state medical facilities. There's no data on private clinics. Most cases result from sexual abuse, and the number of children aged 10-15 subjected to sexual abuse is rising annually. In 2016, over 100 children were documented to have encountered sexual violence. In 2023, over 400 children were reported to have been victims of sexual violence. This issue requires everyone's attention.

Previously, the Children's Rights Law, Child Protection Law, Criminal and Violation Laws did not specify the definition and interpretation of neglect. The revised law now defines neglect and provides explicit responsibilities for when a parent or guardian causes harm to a child's life, health, or mental state through negligence.

Article 22 of the Child Protection Law stipulates the responsibilities of parents and guardians in the family environment.

Criminal and Violation Laws address responsibilities for harm resulting from neglect to a child's life, health, economy, or other aspects, providing criminal punishment for criminal-like cases and penalties under Article 6.20 of the Violation Law for violation-like cases.

The revised law also outlines how to provide child protection services during disasters and emergencies, addressing challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. The revised law now ensures clarity in the role and responsibilities of legal committees led by deputy governors in provinces, cities, and districts to provide correct assessments.

Additionally, businesses must allocate 1% of their salary spending to implement child protection policies and support family child activities.

Government officials are required to annually budget and allocate resources for child protection policies within their sectors. Governors are tasked with prioritizing child protection to ensure children-friendly legal environments are maintained within local strategic programs. The National Human Rights Commission oversees these efforts. Companies participating in tenders must adopt child protection policies. Omission of such policies disqualifies organizations from procurement activities.

For example, those supplying goods must demonstrate child-friendliness in their products and construction companies should ensure a safe playing environment for children (schools, kindergartens) with specific sections in the law.

Previous Criminal and Violation Codes had outlined responsibilities for parents. However, there were no clear specifications for handling cases under criminal law versus violation law within the Child Protection Law. The new law clarifies the responsibilities of parents of children who commit neglect or bullying, helping educational institutions and child protection teams understand their responsibilities better.

With the implementation of the new Child Protection Law, companion regulations are being established. The previous law identified six environments where child violence may occur, but the new law has expanded this to eight.

The environments include family and educational settings, media and cyberspace, cultural and sports activities, public event services, child protection in criminal proceedings, child protection in health services, and child protection during disasters and emergencies.

It's crucial to have social workers focused on family and child welfare in each district and neighborhood. Skilled social work professionals are vital for effective case management in child protection. In the capital, 387 social workers are needed, while in rural areas, 592 social workers are required. Developing a professional management, methodological approach, data management system, and accountability framework is essential for creating a proficiency system for social workers.

The new law addresses harassment in educational settings. It includes provisions for counseling, seeking apologies, and involving parents in psychological behavioral correction programs for children who bully. Additionally, students who repeatedly engage in bullying or harassment will have a digital personal record documenting their behavior.

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

According to the National Statistics Committee, the number of people receiving social welfare and services reached 2.5 million in the first eight months of 2024, reflecting an increase of 28.5 thousand people or 1.2% compared to the same period last year.

The expenditure on social welfare pensions, allowances, aid, services, and discounts totaled 1530.3 billion tugriks in the first eight months of 2024, marking an increase of 139.2 billion tugriks or 10% compared to the same period last year.

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The Minister of Education, P. Naranbayar, stated that the shortage of teachers can be addressed by creating opportunities for skilled professionals and human resources to work in the education sector by providing short-term training to young graduates of foreign and domestic universities, thus granting them the right to teach.

In connection with this, the Mongolian Education and Science Trade Union held a press conference to discuss current issues in the education sector.

Z. Tsogtgerel, the Chairman of the Mongolian Education and Science Trade Union, stated, "The decision issued by the Ministry of Education of the Government has not been discussed based on the provisions specified in the agreement and negotiation of the Mongolian Education and Science Trade Union. This has led to a divisive issue in the education sector.

The certificate for the right to teach and the regulation for converting and training teachers exist. Many teachers oppose this decision of preparing and converting teachers in 45 days to fill vacancies without following the previous regulations.

Two years ago, it was noted that there was a shortage of 1,200 teachers. Due to the lack of measures, the number of teacher vacancies is increasing annually.

Training and converting professionals who have graduated from foreign and domestic universities to work at specific stages is generally correct, but due to insufficient explanation and information, it is causing social frustration that undermines the reputation and valuation of teachers, which is considered incorrect.

Although teachers' salaries have increased, the lack of social security is causing a shortage of human resources in the education sector. It is believed that the society as a whole should invest in education and improve the social welfare of teachers.

The workload of people working in the education sector is tremendous. For example, classroom sizes were previously standardized to be 30-35 students. However, in reality, there are 60-65 students in one class.

It is necessary to stop building certain schools and kindergartens before elections. Teachers work overloaded and unappreciated from morning until evening.

We strongly oppose the preliminary draft that proposes to increase teachers' salaries by six percent in the 2025 state budget. In 2025, the minimum salary of people working in the education sector should reach two million tugriks. If salaries are not increased and social welfare is not improved, we will move to the next measures.

Although the law declares education a priority and the government is implementing many measures, teachers' salaries do not keep up with inflation.

Therefore, we demand the government and the Ministry of Education address the above-mentioned issues and present the following requirements. These include:

Raising teachers' basic salary to the national average salary and level of remuneration in 2025
Strictly ensuring the implementation of issues included in state and sectoral agreements.
Members' issues with the purpose of solving urgent problems are not being implemented.
In resolving the current situation, we demand that decisions be agreed upon with our union.

We officially declare that if these requirements are not fulfilled, our union will initiate protest actions."

Registration of Local Vehicle Fees at Checkpoints

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: news.mn

A decision has been made to charge a fee of 5000 MNT per day from vehicles with local license plates that stay in Ulaanbaatar for more than 48 hours. We inquired with the Road Development Agency about the implementation of this decision.

According to information from the Head of the Road Development Agency, B. Odbayar, the decision to charge a fee from vehicles with local license plates has been in effect since September 1. The fee is registered on the vehicle's license plate when passing through checkpoints.

On average, 16,000 to 19,000 vehicles with local license plates participate in Ulaanbaatar's traffic every day. Therefore, in order to reduce these vehicles, the City Council updated the road usage fee by a resolution on February 8, 2024.

According to the mayor's order aimed at reducing congestion, the following fees are applied to vehicles with local license plates entering Ulaanbaatar:

1000 MNT within 48 hours,
5000 MNT per day if exceeding 48 hours. This order has been effective since the 1st of this month.

Currently, cameras have been installed at checkpoints like 22's checkpoint, 61's crossing, and Emeelt auto transport checkpoint. With the help of these cameras, the entry and exit information of local vehicles is being registered. The accumulated fees from vehicles with local license plates will be used for road repair and renovation work.

Information on Assigned Kindergarten to be Sent via Message

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: news.mn

The request for the second batch of kindergarten enrollment in the capital has been received through the "E-Mongolia" system. A total of 7,898 children aged 2-5 have registered to attend kindergarten this time. The information regarding the assigned kindergarten will be sent to the phone numbers registered by you on September 16, 17, and 18, 2024.

In the second round of registration, children who did not send their request in the first round or children without a kindergarten registration and those temporarily residing had the opportunity to send their requests.

The registration of the capital's kindergartens has been organized in two phases since August 1, 2024. Specifically, among the 142,150 children aged 2-5 in the first phase of the online registration in the capital, 103,999 children were offered a kindergarten according to their catchment area.

A Citizen Who Abandoned Their Newborn to Be Tried

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: news.mn

The prosecutor's office has forwarded the case related to a citizen who abandoned their newborn to court.

Article 16.3 of the Criminal Code: Abandoning, Losing, or Leading a Child to Vagrancy:

Avoiding the responsibility of care and support as mandated by law, abandoning a child, deliberately leaving them in a location where they cannot find shelter, or driving them out from their residence leading to vagrancy, can result in a fine ranging from 5,400 to 27,000 units, community service ranging from 240 to 720 hours, restriction of movement for a period of one to five years, or imprisonment for a period of one to five years.

Examples of cases forwarded to court include:

The Bayangol district prosecutor's office has prepared a criminal indictment under Article 16.3.1 for citizen B.P. who abandoned their newborn, and has forwarded the case to the criminal court of first instance in the district.

The Sukhbaatar province prosecutor's office has prepared a criminal indictment under Article 24.2.1 for citizens N.O, Z.Ö, and N.O who conducted mineral exploration without a special permit in the province, and has forwarded the case to the inter-district criminal court of first instance in the province.

The inter-district prosecutor's office in Saihan, Selenge province, has prepared a criminal indictment under Article 13.10.2.1 and Article 17.6.1 for citizen Ts.E. who, using electronic devices, unlawfully obtained legally protected personal information and threatened to disseminate it on social media for monetary gain, and has forwarded the case to the inter-district court in the town.

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The prosecutor's office supervised 41,298 cases under investigation and 2,849 cases under inquiry from September 9 to 13.

Investigators issued 445 written orders to carry out specific actions and transferred 223 criminal cases to court with an indictment.

Details of the cases with an indictment include:

106 cases against the right to health inviolability
52 cases against traffic safety and vehicle operation regulations
50 cases against the right to property
Seven cases against sexual freedom and inviolability
Four cases against the environment
Two cases against the right to life
One case each of corruption, abuse of power, and illegal use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances

Some of the cases transferred to court include:

The Bayangol District Prosecutor's Office indicted citizen B.P under Article 16.3 (Abandonment, leading to delusion or destitution of a child) of the Criminal Code for neglecting the legal duty of custody and support by abandoning a newborn, transferring it to the district's primary criminal court.

The Sukhbaatar Province Prosecutor's Office indicted citizens N.O, Z.Ö, and N.O under Article 24.2 (Illegal exploration, use, and extraction of minerals) of the Criminal Code for conducting mineral exploration without a permit in the province's territory, transferring it to the provincial inter-soum primary criminal court.

The Prosecutor's Office of Saikhan Soum, Selenge Province, indicted citizen Ts.E under Article 13.10, part 2.1 (Invasion of personal privacy) and Article 17.6 (Threatening to take another's property) of the Criminal Code for unlawfully obtaining legally protected personal secrets using electronic means and threatening to disseminate them on social networks, transferring it to the soum's inter-soum court.

Environment

It Was Said That Goat Breeds Need to Be Improved to Supply Cashmere to the Global Market

Published: Wed, 18 Sep 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Our country prepares more than 10 thousand tons of raw cashmere annually, ranking as the second-largest supplier in the world after China.

The findings of the "Analysis of the Cashmere Value Chain," commonly referred to as "White Gold," were jointly presented by the delegation of the European Union in Mongolia and the National Association of Pasture Users of Mongolia. This study, which began in March last year, involved herders from 15 soums across five provinces, cashmere factories, and both public and private sector entities.

During the presentation, D. Burmaa, the executive director of the National Association of Pasture Users of Mongolia, emphasized that if the breed of Mongolian goats is improved and the micron count of the cashmere is reduced, countries around the world are ready to purchase it. Additionally, John Morton, a professor at GreenWich University, noted the potential to bring cashmere to the global market through cooperatives instead of traders.

To achieve this, it is necessary to enhance the purchasing power and capacity of cooperatives and improve the legislative environment. The analysis of the cashmere value chain was conducted using three criteria: social, economic, and environmental factors. It was stated that to supply cashmere to the global market, it is necessary to improve the goat breeds, reduce their numbers, and raise them in an environmentally friendly manner.

Interestingly, cashmere from Khuvsgul and the eastern provinces fetches the highest prices on the global market, while the cashmere from central and western provinces is relatively lower in value.

Warning of Wet Snow and Possible Sudden Cold in Agricultural Regions

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

According to the weather information provided, wet snow is expected tomorrow, September 18, in the northern parts of the western and central provinces, with rain turning into wet snow in the eastern half on the 19th. A sudden cold spell is anticipated on the night of the 19th to 20th, affecting the agricultural regions.

Therefore, it is advised to:

Receive timely weather news and information,
Follow warnings and advisories from professional organizations,
Ensure the reliability of vehicles and have a supply of fuel when traveling distant or nearby roads,
Dress warmly and be prepared,
Ensure that young children, people with disabilities, and the elderly are not left alone.

Warning

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Innovation

The Innovation Office of the Bank of Mongolia Has Opened

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The most straightforward yet crucially effective tool adopted by countries aiming to develop fintech is establishing an innovation office.

An innovation office is a unit composed of experts from organizations with the authority to regulate, monitor, and issue permits. Its purpose is to provide comprehensive information regarding the legal environment and policies to fintech companies, offering guidance, advising, and directing them.

There has previously been no centralized system in Mongolia dedicated to advising and collaborating with fintech companies on legal matters from a single point of contact.

Now, with the establishment of this innovation office, it becomes possible to make decisions and collaborate on many important issues, such as whether the activities of fintech companies fall under licensed activities or represent new and unprecedented services, how regulatory bodies should respond with policy measures, and what changes are necessary in the legal framework.

Due to extensive requirements from the Bank of Mongolia and the Financial Regulatory Commission, including overlapping and unclear laws and regulations, extensive documentation needed for permit applications, and related fees, fintech companies exhibit reluctance in obtaining operating permits.

That is why the Payment and Settlement Department's Policy Regulation Unit and the Supervisory and Regulatory Unit of the Bank of Mongolia have jointly provided information and advice concerning permits and legal regulations to organizations and fintech companies that submitted requests and inquiries. However, due to workload and the number of organizations requesting meetings, it was often impossible to arrange meetings immediately upon request.

With the help of the newly opened innovation office, by providing timely information on current regulations, permit acquisition processes, and necessary documentation, a significant boost in obtaining the necessary permits will be given to fintech companies. Additionally, there will be opportunities to identify and promptly understand new financial services and technologies emerging in the market, meet face-to-face with fintech companies to hear their opinions and experiences, determine future trends, and make appropriate regulatory updates and changes.

According to Article 27 of the National Payments System Law, the duty to establish an innovation office is given to the Bank of Mongolia, and its operations are regulated under these procedures. An innovation office is thus opened by the decree of the President of the Bank of Mongolia, and a working group has been formed to address the proposals and requests submitted to it.

Source: Bank of Mongolia

The Issue of Using Drones to be Included in the Legal Framework Reform of the Postal Sector

Published: Wed, 18 Sep 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Communication organized a roundtable meeting today titled "Solution Meeting: Postal Reform."

During the meeting, there was an open exchange of views on the current situation in the postal sector, its legal environment, public-private partnerships, increasing business efficiency, and improving the quality of delivery services. The Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Communication, Ts. Baatarkhuu, stated, "As of today, 140 companies with special permits are operating in the sector, but the market is valued at about 40 billion tugriks. This constitutes only 2 percent of the revenue of the communication and information technology sector.

Our country has a small population and a large land area, leading to high transportation and logistics costs in the postal sector, which prevents market growth. As a result, private sectors have lost interest in investing in this sector, while the public desires to receive ordered goods and services within the day. The operations of this sector do not align with consumer desires. Therefore, there is a need for legal environment reform driven by practical needs. Specifically, there is a need to introduce drones into the postal sector, develop infrastructure for categorizing goods using artificial intelligence, improve address systems, digitize cross-border trade, and introduce international payment systems. In line with this, preparations are underway to introduce payment systems like Apple Pay and PayPal in the near future," he said.

G. Telmen, CEO of "Mongol Post" JSC, said, "Today's discussion focused on how to reform the legal environment that hasn't seen changes in the last 21 years, what improvements in the sector might occur with changes in the law, how to attract investments, and how to protect the interests of companies. It is not easy to develop the postal sector in a country like ours with a large land area and half the population living in the capital, leading to high transportation costs.

Today, 'Mongol Post' JSC, on behalf of the government, is fulfilling the basic role of universal services. Thus, it is appropriate to discuss how to collaboratively use the established infrastructures in today's situation. Many factors, including technology and digitalization, are influencing the postal sector. Ten years ago, 15 million newspapers were delivered by mail, but now it has reduced to 1.5 million, indicating that it is time for reform in this sector."

The Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Communication is preparing to submit a draft bill on amendments and additions to the Postal Law to the Parliament. The issues discussed during today's dialogue will be included in the draft amendments.

The Harm of Cyber Fraud Reaches Alarming Levels

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

While implementing the "E-Mongolia" program with the major goal of combating bureaucracy and paperwork, the amount of damage caused by cyber fraud continues to grow. According to the latest information clarified yesterday, the Cybercrime Division of the Criminal Police registered a total of 14,088 cases across the country, with 13,903 currently under investigation, and 185 in the interrogation phase. Additionally, there are fraud cases involving sending messages with job offers via apps like "Telegram" and "WhatsApp" to citizens' registered numbers, collecting a registration fee of 20,000 MNT from those interested, only to return 30,000 MNT shortly after to gain their trust. Ultimately, they execute scams claiming, "A guarantee of 1-3 million MNT is needed to refund your salary bonus of 10 million MNT.” Such messages have probably reached you as well. A case involving a citizen named B, who was defrauded of a total of 18 million MNT on May 18, this year, is currently under investigation by the Cyber Crime Division.

Here's another example. Last year, a case was organized in the Bayanzurkh district using domain names like www.Mholdem.net, www.mglmoney.com, www.mongolpoker.mn, topaz.ru, and royalcasino.nl for an unpredictable online “Poker” gambling game. The defendants were found to have gained 3.3 billion MNT in assets from this criminal activity, which is currently proceeding to the court stage. Experts have determined the total profit derived from this crime based on account statements from commercial banks used by the defendants.

Five individuals are involved in this case. After receiving funds, they transferred large amounts of money from their initial account to a second account. Subsequently, through over 70,000 transactions containing random letters and numbers, they distributed money in small increments to 6,000 different accounts from their second account. Additionally, the majority of these transactions were conducted at intervals of 1-2 minutes between 1:00 and 5:00 AM. Complaints from several bank users about "money deducted from accounts at night" may be related to this.

The five suspects may also be connected to the person referred to as B, who, via ATMs and interbank transfers, executed around 500 transactions between 1:00 and 5:00 AM, acquiring a total of one billion MNT (approximately $350,000). Furthermore, 5.7 billion MNT (approximately $2 million) was received from five different individuals through 3,025 transactions with the same content description to a single account. The large scale and similar patterns to the aforementioned five cases, as well as certain common threads, are being speculated upon during the investigation.

Sources indicate that accounts exceeding 2,000 transactions in one month began to be investigated last spring. Requests were submitted to investigate accusations against 140 account holders, but criminal cases were not initiated. Why would these cases be closed without starting? Could the increase from 140 such cases last year not be a statistic but a reality? Reports published this year indicate that a restriction was placed on 132 current accounts used for money pooling and redistribution, freezing a total of 1.5 billion MNT. Many such intriguing details are available in the "suspicious transaction reports" issued monthly by the Financial Information Office of the Bank of Mongolia.

In 2018, Mongolia scored 6.65 on the international index evaluating efforts to combat money laundering. By 2023, the score had dropped to 4.9, showing a continuous decline each year. Doesn't the shadowy side of "E-Mongolia," or cyber fraud, play a major role in this?

The pressing issue remains whether to continue banning betting games like “1xbet” or to accept them legally. Seven companies that have been seeking to acquire a special license for betting game operations have been waiting for regulations from the Minister of Justice and Home Affairs.

Public opinion suggests legal recognition of international companies that conduct betting operations, support sports investments, and enhance athletes’ accomplishments. For this, it is vital to formalize laws and regulations for granting licenses, open operations, collaborate, and enable state tax collection. Despite government efforts to curb betting, tangible results remain elusive.

Western countries have long legalized and permitted betting on sports games, reaping significant tax revenue. For instance, Canada lifted the ban on betting on sports events in 2021, allowing legal access to U.S. online casinos and betting games, enabling taxation of previously hidden betting rings worth billions. Meanwhile, a billion MNT from acts of crime could be moved through the account of the individual B without any tax collected. Similarly, numerous online casinos are operating without oversight or taxes, profiting immensely.

All these crimes are executed through bank accounts. A hidden crime has emerged where citizens rent out their accounts for a million MNT per month, inadvertently becoming victims themselves. Hence, a broader view is essential. If we fail to address these issues, efforts to combat serious money laundering cases in banks will be severely undermined.

Take, for example, the case of a Latvian citizen who registered a company in Mongolia and accepted 3.9 million USD and 4.6 million Euro from 13 countries, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Bulgaria, Poland, UAE, Sweden, and Portugal, into two accounts in Mongolian commercial banks between August 2018 and January 2020. He then transferred 1.7 million Euros and three million USD to 12 countries, including China, the Philippines, Latvia, Turkey, Estonia, and South Korea, through Mongolian commercial banks, citing "payment for claims and contracts" as the reason. This is exceedingly grave, depicting Mongolia as a hub for money laundering. The investigation revealed that the company in question had no intention of conducting business activities in Mongolia. The company founder crossed Mongolian borders five times, coinciding with major monetary flows into and out of accounts in Mongolian banks, with gaps of 1-5 days. On January 9, 2020, he attempted to withdraw 2.4 million Euros in cash from a Credit bank and exited the country the same day, as established by police investigations. Fraudulent schemes cannot be underestimated based on the scale of harm; they can grow larger and eventually reach any level, anywhere.

Health

High Incidence of Liver, Stomach, and Esophageal Cancer in Bayankhongor Province

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Cancer remains one of the greatest fears and sources of distress for Mongolians. Despite numerous statistics and studies showing its impact, many people do not consider it a pressing issue unless it directly affects them. This complacency contributes to most cancer patients being diagnosed at late stages, often leading to fatal outcomes within a year.

The National Cancer Council, in collaboration with the Khan Bank and the national public radio and television, is conducting the "National Cancer Fight Campaign" for the 14th time. This campaign aims to educate people that cancer is a disease that is curable and preventable if detected early. Over the years, the campaign has successfully traveled across Mongolia three times and has recently visited Bayan-Ulgii and Bayankhongor provinces for the fourth time.

During the opening of the "National Cancer Fight Campaign" in Bayankhongor Province, the National Cancer Council's Deputy Director for Clinical Affairs, S. Khurelsukh, stated, "According to 2023 statistics, over 7,200 new cancer cases are diagnosed, and more than 4,000 people die from cancer annually in Mongolia. Although Bayankhongor Province's cancer incidence is below the national average, the mortality rate and late diagnoses are above average.

In this province, 173 new cancer cases are reported annually, with 77% diagnosed at advanced stages (stage 3 or 4). Approximately 123 people die each year. We must work together to address early diagnosis and treatment in Bayankhongor Province. Liver and stomach cancers are particularly prevalent here."

In Bayankhongor Province, the causes of cancer-related deaths are divided as follows: liver cancer 39.5%, stomach cancer 20.1%, esophageal cancer 2.4%, kidney cancer 3.2%, colon cancer 3.2%, and other cancers 31.5%.

The campaign consistently organizes impactful activities such as bringing medical services closer to people in remote areas, conducting screenings and diagnostics, promoting preventive behavior against cancer, enhancing health education, and providing capacity-building training for local medical professionals.

Through the "National Cancer Fight Campaign," over 134,000 screenings have been conducted, and 667 cancer cases have been identified. Khan Bank has provided 1.3 billion MNT in funding, marking a significant investment from the private sector into the health sector and highlighting a positive example of social responsibility through successful partnerships between professional organizations and private enterprises.

Citizens are advised to participate regularly in preventive check-ups, focus on their mental health, maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and avoid harmful habits to prevent cancer.

Influenza GC Flu Vaccine Administered Free of Charge at District and Household Clinics

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: eguur.mn

This year, it is planned to administer 180,181 doses of the influenza vaccine in the capital. As of August 26, over 45,000 individuals have been vaccinated.

Specifically, the influenza vaccine primarily targets children between six months and five years old, as they are the most affected and at risk for complications.

The vaccine is provided free of charge at Primary Health Care and district health centers, while voluntary or paid vaccinations are available at the Communicable Disease Research Center and private clinics. Notably, people can get vaccinated at household health centers from 08:30 to 17:30.

In reminder, those who received the measles vaccine should wait a month before getting the influenza vaccine. Both state and private clinics are using the South Korean "GC Flu" 2024-2025 quadrivalent vaccine, which offers protection against four types of viruses, including A strains (H1N1), (H3N2).

Health Check-ups and Advice Offered Free on Car-free Day

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: news.mn

The event "Car-free Day 2024" will be held on Saturday, September 21. Relevant road closures and other information related to this day were provided by officials this morning.

The decree from the Governor of Ulaanbaatar city was issued on September 5. With this decree, a working group has been appointed to decide on which locations to close roads and where to conduct activities. Preparations have been made, and the activities are ready to be carried out. According to statistics, car-free day is celebrated in over 1500 cities, involving more than 100 million people. Mongolia is organizing this day for the 12th year. World Car-Free Day is held on September 22, but in Ulaanbaatar, it will be organized next Saturday.

The goal of this day is to renounce the use of cars. It aims to support walking and encourage mass transit use.

This year's theme emphasizes "ecomobility" more prominently. Traffic in central areas will be restricted according to a schedule, and 20 markets and centers will be closed. A collective event is planned to be held on Sukhbaatar Square on Saturday. Cultural and sports events are planned for the front section of the square. Additionally, a number of booths will be set up to provide the public with free health advice and information.

The police organization will allocate forces to protect public order. Next Saturday, from 07:00 to 18:00, northward from the intersection of SUIS to the intersection of the 4th Food Store, east to Dari-Ekh intersection and Sansar Tunnel, to the East Fourth Road, Wrestling Palace, south to the Shangri-La junction, Mongolian Children's Palace junction, west to the intersection of Uguuj, West Fourth Road, Bombogor junction, Geser Monastery junction, and similarly sized restriction levels of previous years will be enforced, with no vehicles allowed in these areas.

To ensure traffic safety and establish temporary closures, around 360 officers will be deployed to some 310 locations.

Residents living within these areas must take note that no vehicles will be permitted within the specified zones. Furthermore, the movement of mechanized vehicles will be completely forbidden in restricted areas, which means surron, electric scooters, and mopeds are prohibited in these regions.

Cancer Incidence is High in Bayankhongor Province

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: news.mn

Cancer has become a major fear and source of suffering for Mongolians, as evidenced by numerous statistics and studies. However, people often neglect it until they are personally affected. This indifference is reflected in the unfortunate statistics showing that the majority of cancer patients are diagnosed at a late stage and pass away within a year.

The "National Campaign Against Cancer," jointly organized by KHAN Bank, the National Cancer Center, and the Mongolian National Public Radio and Television, has been aimed at making people understand that cancer is a preventable disease if detected early. The campaign team has traveled around Mongolia three times and this year they are visiting Bayan-Ulgii and Bayankhongor provinces for the fourth time.

At the launch event of the "National Campaign Against Cancer" held today in Bayankhongor province, Dr. S. Khurelsukh, Deputy Director for Clinical Affairs at the National Cancer Center, noted, "According to the 2023 statistics, over 7,200 people in Mongolia are newly diagnosed with cancer annually, and more than 4,000 die each year. Although cancer incidence in Bayankhongor province is below the national average, the mortality rate and late-stage diagnoses are above the national average. Annually, 173 people in this province are newly diagnosed with cancer, 77% of whom are diagnosed at stage 3 or 4. Consequently, 123 people die each year. This indicates a need for collaboration on early diagnosis and treatment. Liver and stomach cancer rates are particularly high."

In this province, cancer-related deaths are attributed to liver cancer at 39.5%, stomach cancer at 20.1%, esophageal cancer at 2.4%, kidney cancer at 3.2%, colon cancer at 3.2%, and other cancer types at 31.5%.

The campaign traditionally organizes various effective activities such as bringing medical services to remote areas, conducting screenings, promoting preventive behaviors against cancer, enhancing health education, and training local medical professionals.

As a result of the "National Campaign Against Cancer," over 134,000 individuals have been screened, and 667 cancer cases have been detected. KHAN Bank has provided financial support amounting to 1.3 billion MNT, a significant private sector investment in the healthcare industry. This partnership between professional organizations and the private sector is a successful example of social responsibility, bringing positive change to society.

Citizens should regularly participate in preventive check-ups to prevent cancer, pay attention to mental health, eat healthy, exercise regularly, and avoid harmful habits.

Hospitals and Sanatoriums Offering Services at Reduced Prices Through Health Insurance

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: news.mn

Citizens who pay their health insurance without skipping a year are entitled to receive discounted medical support services. While most resorts and sanatorium reservations were filled from June to August, bookings for next month are proceeding normally. Moreover, hospitals that have not exceeded the budget specified in their health insurance funding contracts are continuing to provide discounted services as usual.

Citizens going to a spa sanatorium travel at their own expense and receive the discount amount afterward. Meanwhile, those going to a regular resort benefit directly from the discounts, depending on the price.

Some people believe that health insurance only allows for services from public hospitals. However, it is possible to receive inpatient treatment at private hospitals with their paid insurance. Specifically, there are 82 private hospitals where you can receive inpatient treatment at discounted rates through health insurance. A compiled list of these hospitals with updated contact information is provided.

Avicenna Hospital

Contact phone: 98121198

Service areas: Trauma, internal medicine, traditional treatment

Amin-Erdene Hospital

Contact phone: 7018 9666

Service areas: Traditional, internal disease diagnostics, tests, treatment

Allergy Med Hospital

Contact phones: 99117469, 97110047

Service areas: Dermatology, cosmetic surgery, allergy clinic

Asral Med Integrated Hospital

Contact phones: 7777 0110, 99099292

Service areas: General hospital services

ASE Hospital

Contact phone: 7717 1717

Service areas: General hospital

Achtan Hospital

Contact phone: 7707 5151

Service areas: Offers 36 specialized services as an integrated hospital

Cheerful World Hospital

Contact phones: 99022224, 77170909

Service areas: Internal, female, rehabilitation, traditional, male, radiology, dermatology, proctology services

Bayanzurkh Integrated Hospital

Contact phones: 452057, 99057222

Service areas: General hospital services

Bolor Melmii Hospital

Contact phone: 11 31 5409

Service areas: Specialized eye hospital

Brilliant Hospital

Contact phone: 7609 6666

Service areas: General hospital

Bumaa Sanaa Hospital

Contact phone: 99995335

Service areas: Internal, dental diagnostics, treatment, maxillofacial surgery, vascular surgery

Bum-Enerel Hospital

Contact phone: 99993570

Service areas: Male, internal disease ultrasound diagnostics

Buranomiun LLC Hospital

Contact phone: 91994689

Service areas: Specialized hospital

Buyant Eej Hospital

Contact phone: 99008451

Service areas: Internal disease diagnostics, treatment

Buyant-Diagnosis Hospital

Contact phones: 88116017, 89256017

Service areas: Traditional, internal disease diagnostics, treatment, heart ECG, ultrasound diagnostics

Lady Hospital

Contact phone: 99056769

Service areas: Women, internal, traditional, neurology, ophthalmology, ENT disease diagnostics, treatment

Gariid Manlai Hospital

Contact phone: 9922 3333

Service areas: Male, surgery, internal disease diagnostics, treatment, ultrasound diagnostics

Gurvan Gal Hospital

Contact phone: 70113344

Service areas: General hospital

Grand Med Hospital

Contact phone: 77000066

Service areas: General hospital

Gegeen Manal Hospital

Contact phone: 99995689

Service areas: Internal, neurology, traditional, dental disease diagnostics, treatment, clinical biochemical laboratory, ECHO diagnostics

Secret Treatment Hospital

Contact phone: 99152231

Service areas: Traditional, internal disease diagnostics, clinical biochemical laboratory

Secret Skill Hospital

Contact phones: 99996419, 98116419

Service areas: Traditional, internal disease diagnostics, treatment

Darkhan Detect Hospital

Contact phone: 9911 4808

Service areas: General hospital

Darkhan Otoch Hospital

Contact phone: 99098966

Service areas: Traditional, acupuncture, moxibustion, neurological disease diagnostics, treatment

Calm Life

Contact phone: 9696 3535

Service areas: General hospital

Jinest Hospital

Contact phones: 99191255, 96451255

Service areas: Internal, neurology, women, traditional, clinical biochemistry, microbiology laboratory

Zambag Hospital

Contact phone: 99286194

Service areas: Internal disease diagnostics, treatment

Idermeg Hospital

Contact phone: 91918460

Service areas: Neurological disease diagnostics, treatment

ICU Hospital

Contact phone: 7000 5038

Service areas: Hemodialysis, emergency

Interferon Alpha Hospital

Contact phone: 9908 0511

Service areas: Hepatology clinic

Livergen Hospital

Contact phone: 9989 8864

Service areas: Internal disease diagnostics, treatment, endoscopic diagnosis

Mungut Hospital

Contact phone: 99162851

Service areas: Internal, traditional, neurology, surgery, ENT, children, women diagnostics, treatment, ultrasound diagnostics

Money Bridge Hospital

Contact phone: 7708 0303

Service areas: Specialized hospital

Money Stethoscope

Contact phone: 99508075

Service areas: Internal and ophthalmology clinic

Munkh-Onich Hospital

Contact phone: 99025969

Service areas: Internal, traditional, neurological disease diagnostics, treatment

Precious Mind Hospital

Contact phone: 88104403

Service areas: Internal, neurology, traditional, ophthalmology disease diagnostics, treatment, clinical biochemical laboratory, ECHO diagnostics

Natul Hospital

Contact phone: 7000 1200

Service areas: Internal, neurology, surgery, pediatric, dental diagnostics, treatment, maxillofacial defects, radiology, clinical biochemistry, immunology, bacteriology laboratory

Nephro Med

Contact phone: 9908 0209

Service areas: Internal disease diagnostics, treatment

Nomun Hospital

Contact phone: 7044 5555

Service areas: Specialized and narrow professional support services

Secret-Elixir Spa

Contact phone: 88006666

Service areas: Traditional

Otkontenger Hospital

Contact phone: 99065882

Service areas: Women, urogynecology

Sandovan Hospital

Contact phone: 7726 9999

Service areas: Traditional medicine, internal, women, women's surgery, men's services, proctology, neurology services

Si Ji Si Hospital

Contact phone: 99193379

Service areas: Neurology clinic

Sky Hospital

Contact phone: 99994858

Service areas: Internal, neurology, ENT, traditional, women

Rainbow Hospital

Contact phones: 80106699, 99037700

Service areas: Eye disease diagnostics, treatment

Song Medical Hospital

Contact phone: 7777 5000

Service areas: Specialized services

Sondra Hospital

Contact phone: 7725 8888

Service areas: Eye diagnostics, treatment, eye surgery services

Sorogzon LLC Hospital

Contact phone: 9909 8854

Service areas: Internal, traditional, women's disease diagnostics, treatment, ECHO diagnostics

Aloe Vera Hospital

Contact phone: 99156371

Service areas: Traditional, internal, ultrasound, x-ray

Persona LLC Hospital

Contact phone: 9906 6636

Service areas: Women's disease diagnostics, treatment, STD diagnostics, treatment

Reha Med

Contact phone: 75750400

Service areas: General hospital

Su Jok Hospital

Contact phone: 88101144

Service areas: Pediatrics, internal, women, traditional

Seoul Hospital

Contact phones: 77061111, 99067500, 90900043

Service areas: Internal, surgery, pathology, women, ophthalmology

Rehabilitation Hospital Clinic

Contact phones: 99961869, 99099709, 11342090

Service areas: Internal, women, neurology, dental disease diagnostics, treatment, clinical biochemical laboratory, ECHO diagnostics

Sersandemid Hospital

Contact phone: 99124143

Service areas: Traditional, internal

Sindura Med Hospital

Contact phone: 89036119

Service areas: Traditional, internal disease diagnostics, treatment

A Help For Your Side

Contact phone: 99199655

Service areas: Gynecological consultation, diagnostics, treatment, surgical procedures

Talimaa Hospital

Contact phone: 99080958

Service areas: Traditional, internal, neurology, ophthalmology, dental disease diagnostics, treatment, cosmetic reconstructive surgery

Topaz Hospital

Contact phones: 89114515, 99010556

Service areas: Surgery, trauma specialization, deformity repair, trauma rehabilitation services, internal, neurology specialized hospital

Tumenshand Hospital

Contact phone: 99083745

Service areas: Internal disease diagnostics, treatment

UB Songdo Hospital

Contact phone: 75752727

Service areas: Specialized professional hospital

Ulaanbaatar Med Hospital

Contact phone: 11351135

Service areas: General hospital services

Good Fortune Hospital

Contact phone: 99185149

Service areas: Women, internal, neurological disease diagnostics, treatment

Fellowship LLC Hospital

Contact phone: 9995 7534

Service areas: Traditional, internal disease diagnostics, treatment

Charing Hospital

Contact phone: 99085514

Service areas: Internal, traditional, ENT, dental, maxillofacial defects

Hasu Manal Hospital

Contact phone: 99996390

Service areas: Traditional, internal disease diagnostics, treatment

Hulg Borjigon Hospital

Contact phones: 99047151, 70171898

Service areas: Traditional, internal disease diagnostics, treatment

Humuun Med Hospital

Contact phones: 88111947, 88204005

Service areas: Internal, traditional, neurology, women, pediatric, ENT, ophthalmology, dental

CNS Hospital

Contact phone: 99241314

Service areas: Neurology, internal

Chimeg-Oyu Hospital

Contact phone: 99021790

Service areas: Obstetrics, women's disease diagnostics, treatment

Chimeg Private Hospital

Contact phone: 99009811

Service areas: Internal, traditional, dental

Chimejud Hospital

Contact phones: 95221106, 93100967

Service areas: Internal, traditional, neurology

Shinonmed Hospital Erin

Contact phone: 90463900

Service areas: General hospital

MBG Hospital

Contact phones: 97119888, 88053168

Service areas: Internal, maxillofacial, general surgery

Enkh Anu Hospital

Contact phone: 88110915

Service areas: Internal, women

Enkh-Undraga Hospital

Contact phone: 99125078

Service areas: Neurology, trauma, internal

Enerel Mamots Hospital

Contact phone: 91910863

Service areas: Internal, women

Epimon Hospital

Contact phone: 99108420

Service areas: Inpatient treatment services

Enherelt Manal

Contact phone: 9900 7527

Service areas: Internal, neurology, traditional medicine diagnostics, treatment, clinical laboratory

Unimed International Hospital

Contact phone: 77000000

Service areas: General hospital

Japan-Mongolia Friendship Hospital LLC YaMN Hospital

Contact phones: 91911544, 99996161

Service areas: Internal, palliative

EMJJ

Contact phone: 7034-1111

Service areas: ENT

P. Erkhembulgan: Health Services and Advice Stalls to be Set Up on Car Free Day

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The "Car Free Day 2024" event, initiated by the Ulaanbaatar City Mayor's Office, is set to be organized on September 21st.

This event, being held for the 12th year, was discussed by relevant officials during a press briefing today.

At this event, P. Erkhembulgan, Head of the Ulaanbaatar Health Department, stated, "The mayor's decree was issued on the 5th of this month regarding the organization of the Car Free Day. This decree appointed the working group for the event and detailed the traffic closures and activities planned. The working group is accordingly preparing for the event.

Currently, it's estimated that around 100 million people participate in car-free day celebrations in about 1,500 cities worldwide. Our country is organizing this event for the 12th year.

World Car Free Day is observed on September 22nd. In our country, it is planned for September 21st, which is the coming Saturday.

The main goal of this event is to reduce car usage, promote alternative transport, and encourage walking. This year's key feature is to support the "Eco Mobility" campaign implemented by the Ulaanbaatar city government.

On this day, vehicle traffic in central locations will be halted, and 20 shopping centers will be closed.

Additionally, a main event will take place at Sukhbaatar Square, where sports, arts, and other activities will be organized in its south part. Furthermore, there will be stalls providing health services and advice to citizens.

Activities will be organized in responsibility zones in the central six districts," he said.

Sports

World Boxing Cup to Be Held in Mongolia

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The World Boxing organization, established to compete with the International Boxing Association (IBA) and be recognized by the IOC, organized two World Cup events this year.

The first took place in January in Sheffield, England, and the second in April in Colorado, USA. Now, the third World Cup event is set to take place on the 23rd of this month in Ulaanbaatar. Held over four days at the "UG Arena", tickets for the event have started to sell. Daily ticket prices are 10,000 MNT, and a package of four-day tickets is priced at 30,000 MNT.

The competition will be organized in seven weight categories for men and six for women, and as of today, athletes from over 20 countries have registered. Winners in each weight category will earn the right to compete in the World Cup finals in Sheffield, England, this coming November. Currently, 44 countries, including Mongolia, have joined the World Boxing organization, which is fighting to remain in the Olympic boxing program.

Additionally, members of Mongolia's national boxing team have returned from attending an international training camp in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, China.

Arts

"ASA" Circus Announces Opening in October

Published: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 | Translated from: news.mn

The state circus building has been demolished for four years. The building was privatized in 2008 by the 68th professional sumo champion of Japan, D. Dagvadorj, and became known as "ASA" Circus. The circus operated normally from 2008 to 2020, but renovation work began in July 2020 and is still not complete. Previously, it was announced that the circus building would open on July 7, 2024, but that was not achieved. However, "ASA" Circus director D. Dagvadorj shared through his social media account that the circus building will open in October.

Specifically, the circus building is said to have 3,400 seats, with the capacity to accommodate 6,000-7,000 people standing.

Upon privatization, Dagvadorj began demolishing the building from the inside. Back in 1971, the current "ASA" Circus building was constructed with the help of Romania and opened for use. It is said that the design of Mongolia's circus building was drawn by Mongolia's consultant architect Ya. Sharquu, inspired by the hat of Khuree women, and made to be round. At that time, the issue was met with criticism from the public and circus performers.

Therefore, in 2020, it was reported that a comprehensive renovation would be undertaken without changing the main design structure of the circus. It is noted that "ASA" Circus was privatized for 1.5 billion MNT. When purchasing the circus, D. Dagvadorj promised to make it a circus that would amaze the world. There is less than a month left for his promise to be fulfilled.

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Politics

The Court Hearing of P. Lkhagvasuren, Who Granted a Loan to His Son While Working as the Director of the Education Loan Fund, Will Be Held Today

Handcuffs Placed on Journalism through Charges against N.Önörtsötség

Is Khaltmaa Battulga the City Election Partner of D. Amarbaysgalan and S. Amarsaikhan?

Education Minister's Press Representative T. Otgonbaatar Nominated for City Council

Enkhbold Z.: A High Official Accuses Citizen of Slander for the First Time

T. Khayankharvaa to Be Nominated in Place of D. Munkh-Erdene

Economy

The Court's Statement that the Case of B. Gankhuyag and T. Ayursaikhan was "Not Related to Coal" Raises Doubts

The Growth in Total Production was Mainly Driven by Mining Extraction

NSO: Average Salary Reached 2.4 Million Tugriks

The Balance of Payments had a Deficit of $136.2 Million in the First Seven Months of This Year

Our Country Conducted $12.8 Billion in Trade with China in the First Eight Months of 2024

The Price of Consumer Goods and Services Increased by 6.5% in August This Year Compared to the Same Period Last Year

NSO: Mining and Extraction Workers Have the Highest Salary of 5.1 Million Tugriks

As of August 2024, Money Supply Reached ₮41.6 Trillion, Up by 27% from the Same Period Last Year

The average salary reached 2.5 million MNT, and the median salary became 2 million MNT

Mongolian Company Succeeds in the Philippines

Clarification: The COVID Law Does Not Prohibit Dollar Transfers

Mongolian Company Provides Loans in the Philippines

Infrastructure

Discussed the Issue of Resuming the Ulaanbaatar-Beijing Train Journey

The Road from the Railway School Intersection to "Grand" Plaza Will Be Renovated

Ch. Batzorig: Pedestrian and Bicycle Path from Natur Road to Narny Road Will Be Constructed

The Road Renovation from the Railway University Intersection to "Grand" Plaza Will Begin on Saturday

Road Closures in Four Locations on Car-Free Day

Discussions Held to Resume Ulaanbaatar-Beijing Train Service

Z. Tsevendorj: Some Public Transportation Routes Will Change on Saturday

Ch.Batzorig: A Pedestrian and Bicycle Path Will Be Built from Naturyn Road to Narny Road

A Set of Sediment Settling Facilities to Be Built in the 15th Khoroo of Sukhbaatar District

U.Baatar: Changes Made to the Route for Land Clearance in the Geological Central Laboratory's Underpass

Vehicles such as Segways, Electric Scooters, and Mopeds Will Not Participate in the Traffic in Car-Free Zones

Society

The crime rate increased by 17.2% compared to the same period last year, mainly influenced by crimes against traffic safety

Children Who Bully and Harass Peers to be Registered in Digital Personal Records

The number of beneficiaries of social welfare and services reaches 2.5 million, increasing by 28.5 thousand people compared to the same period last year

"Although Teachers' Salaries Have Increased, the Lack of Social Security is Causing a Shortage of Human Resources"

Registration of Local Vehicle Fees at Checkpoints

Information on Assigned Kindergarten to be Sent via Message

A Citizen Who Abandoned Their Newborn to Be Tried

Case Related to Abandoned Newborn Transferred to Court

Environment

It Was Said That Goat Breeds Need to Be Improved to Supply Cashmere to the Global Market

Warning of Wet Snow and Possible Sudden Cold in Agricultural Regions

Innovation

The Innovation Office of the Bank of Mongolia Has Opened

The Issue of Using Drones to be Included in the Legal Framework Reform of the Postal Sector

The Harm of Cyber Fraud Reaches Alarming Levels

Health

High Incidence of Liver, Stomach, and Esophageal Cancer in Bayankhongor Province

Influenza GC Flu Vaccine Administered Free of Charge at District and Household Clinics

Health Check-ups and Advice Offered Free on Car-free Day

Cancer Incidence is High in Bayankhongor Province

Hospitals and Sanatoriums Offering Services at Reduced Prices Through Health Insurance

P. Erkhembulgan: Health Services and Advice Stalls to be Set Up on Car Free Day

Sports

World Boxing Cup to Be Held in Mongolia

Arts

"ASA" Circus Announces Opening in October

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