NewsWire

Issue 762 –  23 December 2022

BCM NewsWire provides short summaries of news collected from around the world. Each article is kept to a maximum of 150 words for brevity, but click on the link next to “Source” to read the full article.

Economy

• Central bank raises policy rate 1 pp to 13 pct
• Transport Connectivity and Logistics Center is to be Built with World Bank
• Mongolia's Nov coal railings up 14.5 pct MoM; iron ore down 19.7 pct
• Number of Enterprises Exporting Meat to Uzbekistan Increases
• World Bank: Mongolia Can Create Dynamic and Inclusive Labor Market, with Better Jobs for More Citizens
• Government and private organizations join forces to develop winter tourism
• 17 trains or 774 wagons delivered to Erlian station for the first time
• ADB Grant to Build Renewable Energy Heating Systems in Mongolia
• China opens new veg, fruit export channel to Mongolia
• Making Public Transportation More Accessible with Technology
• Construction of 83-km “New Ring Road” to be completed in a year
• Has pediatric dental disease reached silent epidemic level? - Editorial

• Demonstration at Sukhbaatar Square continues for the 17th day
• ‘Corruption cases will not be processed in simplified manner’
• Criminal Code amended to make sentences stricter for corruption
• Mongolian Government provides major boost to the country's thriving tech sector with launch of 'Mindgolia' procurement portal
• Beneficial Ownership Transparency in Asia and the Pacific
• Year in Review 2022: UN Mongolia highlights
• “eBARILGA” system for delivering information related to urban planning and construction permits launched 
• Mongolia trying to 'diversify' gas sector to get away from dependence on Russian neighbour - Editorial
• Defacto Review, Dec. 22 - Video
• Mongolia Focus: December 2022 Protests - Editorial

Business

• Rio formally completes acquisition of Turquoise Hill
• How Carbon Credits Can Reduce Ulaanbaatar’s Air Pollution
• Can You Obtain a Damages Award for Emotional Distress in Mongolia?
• Australia's Jade Gas pens gas sales deal in Mongolia
• James Liotta: If we manage to reduce corruption, the investment will come to Mongolia
• Scooter rental service to be introduced in Ulaanbaatar in 2023
• Elixir Energy wraps up 2022 with flare at Nomgon CBM PSC in southern Mongolia; progresses strategy
• Xanadu Mines: Investment Deal Signed with Zijin; Pathway to Kharmagtai Production
• The secondary market for "Invescore Bond 2.0" in the second tranche began
• The secondary market trading for ABS of "Bichil ABS Active S.P.E" LLC starts
•  E-Sports to be included in “Ulaanbaatar 2023” East Asian Youth Games

Global and Regional Trends

• Global coal consumption to reach all-time high this year - IEA
• Taiwan to surpass Japan in GDP per capita this year: JCER
• Green hydrogen booms in Asia as companies rush into projects
• China’s new iron ore buyer sets off biggest shakeup in years
• Bank of Japan shocks global markets with bond yield shift
• U.S. poised to become net exporter of crude oil in 2023
• Russia overtakes Saudi Arabia as China's top crude supplier in November
• Indonesia confirms bauxite export ban to proceed as scheduled
• Zimbabwe bans raw lithium exports to curb artisanal mining

• BCM Quarterly Report for Q3'22
• BCM submits policy paper
• The BCM appoints Raphaël Goué as official BCM representative in Europe
• SDG Investor Mapping project survey - Identifying business cases for investment opportunities
• UNICEF: Guidance for employers on flexible work arrangements and other good workplace practices in the context of Covid-19
• UNICEF: Call for actions of the private sector to reduce children’s exposure to air pollution in UB
• BCM Guideline for Companies to Combat Air Pollution
• Member-to-member special offers & benefits

Economic Indicators

• Inflation
• Central Bank Policy Rate
• Sovereign Credit Rating
• Currency Rates

ECONOMY

CENTRAL BANK RAISES POLICY RATE 1 PP TO 13 PCT

B.Lkhagvasuren, Governor of the Bank of Mongolia, reported that the Monetary Policy Council of the Bank of Mongolia held a meeting today and made a decision to raise policy interest rates by 1% to be 13%.
The inflation rate reached 14.5% in November, 2022. Inflation has been falling in recent months, in line with previous projections. Foreign inflation, prices of food and fuel, budget expense and salary tends to increase next quarter. 
Economic intensification was relatively stronger than expected in the third quarter of 2022, surpassing pre-Covid-19 levels. In recent months, the mining and transportation sectors have recovered, and the construction sector has grown due to the influence of railway construction. Intensification of non-mining sectors such as trade, services, net product taxes and agricultural sectors continued to increase in the third quarter of 2022. The labor market has reached pre-pandemic level, and household consumption has increased steadily for the last 4 quarters.

Source: GoGo News
View the BoM statement

TRANSPORT CONNECTIVITY AND LOGISTICS CENTER IS TO BE BUILT WITH WORLD BANK

Mongolia Transport Connectivity and Logistics Improvement Project will be implemented in our country with a World Bank loan.
The Minister of Road and Transport Development, S. Byambatsogt, received the World Bank Regional Director for China and Mongolia Mara Warwick, Country Manager for Mongolia Andrey Mikhnev, and related specialists. During the meeting, he stated that this significant project is being launched in Mongolia's road and transport industry in cooperation with the World Bank.
It is planned to establish a model regional logistics hub in Uvurkhangai aimag to improve the physical connectivity and logistics efficiency for meat processing depending on the transport flow, the number of animal heads, and geographical location by the feasibility study prepared by the World Bank. The project agreement was finalized between the World Bank, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economy and Development, and the Ministry of Road and Transport Development.

Source: Montsame

MONGOLIA'S NOV COAL RAILINGS UP 14.5 PCT MOM; IRON ORE DOWN 19.7 PCT

Mongolia transported 1.38 million tonnes of coal via railway in November, rising 33.94% year on year and 14.47% month on month, marking the fourth straight month of rise, showed data from the National Statistical Office of Mongolia.
In the month, railway shipment of iron ore was 285,000 tonnes, slumping 47.01% from a year ago, and down 19.70% from October.
Coal railings totaled 9.74 million tonnes during the first 11 months of 2022, up 11.49% year on year, and iron ore shipment was 3.61 million tonnes, down 50.80%.

Source: SXCoal.com

NUMBER OF ENTERPRISES EXPORTING MEAT TO UZBEKISTAN INCREASES

In the first 10 months of this year, Mongolia has exported 500 tons of meat and by-products to Uzbekistan. During his virtual meeting with the Minister of Agriculture of Uzbekistan Voitov Aziz Botirovich, the Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry of Mongolia Kh. Bolorchuluun expressed that Mongolia has a breadth of opportunity to increase exports to Uzbekistan in the future.
In December 2022, Uzbekistan granted permission to import meat and meat products to Mongolian nine enterprises. As a result, the number of enterprises that can export to the country has increased to 26.
In 2019, the sides agreed to implement joint projects and programs on the further expansion of cooperation in animal husbandry and veterinary, and relevant veterinary certificates were mutually agreed upon. This opened the possibility of exporting meat and meat products to Uzbekistan.

Source: Montsame

WORLD BANK: MONGOLIA CAN CREATE DYNAMIC AND INCLUSIVE LABOR MARKET, WITH BETTER JOBS FOR MORE CITIZENS

Mongolia’s labor market has expanded significantly during the last two decades, with employment rising by 50 percent. Its labor force has also become increasingly educated: the share of the population aged 25 and over with a college degree now resembles that of high-income countries. Fewer people now work in agriculture, and more and more people are working in the service sector, a sign of development. These changes would suggest that Mongolia has a vibrant and diverse labor market with an abundant supply of good jobs.
However, some indicators show otherwise. Most of the jobs created in recent years were in low-wage sectors. The economy, including exports, has increasingly become dependent on mining, a sector that is not very labor-intensive and employs very few people. Labor force participation has also been declining over the past decade, especially among women, and unemployment is high, particularly among young people.

Source: Montsame

GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS JOIN FORCES TO DEVELOP WINTER TOURISM

The government has announced 2023-2025 as “the Years to Visit Mongolia”. Within the framework of this context, with the aim of receiving one million tourists in the coming year, a National Tourism Development Committee was established. Thus, the tourist program "New Year in Mongolia" will be organized from December 25, 2022, to January 10, 2023, to support winter tourism. The program will be jointly organized by the Ministry of Nature, Environment, and Tourism, the Governor’s office of the Capital city, and the Mongolian Tourism Association.
Representatives of the government and private sector organizations participating in the "New Year in Mongolia" program convened on December 22, exchanging information information and discussing suggestions. During the meeting, President of the Mongolian Restaurants’ Association M.Yesunmunkh emphasized that a banner with identification and information will be placed at the entrance of the entities participating in the program, and tourists can enjoy the bonus. “Let's improve and work together to develop winter tourism,” he said.

Source: Mayor's Office, GoGo News

17 TRAINS OR 774 WAGONS DELIVERED TO ERLIAN STATION FOR THE FIRST TIME

Within the framework of the New Revival Policy of the Government of Mongolia, the policy of intensive expansion of the economy is under implementation by increasing the volume of export transportation.
As a result of several requests made by the The Ministry of Road and Transport Development and the management of Ulaanbaatar Railway to the People's Republic of China, 17 trains or a total of 774 wagons or 64,337 tons of cargo were delivered to Erlian station through the broad gauge of Zamiin-Uud station on December 17, which set a historical record. 
As classified by the cargo, 17 trains include 200 wagons of coal, 99 open top container coal, 159 wagons of iron ore, 30 wagons of copper, 38 wagons of fluorspar, 46 wagons of cellulose, 123 transit wagons, and 79 export wagons.

Source: GoGo News

ADB GRANT TO BUILD RENEWABLE ENERGY HEATING SYSTEMS IN MONGOLIA

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Mongolia signed a $2 million grant to increase efficient and renewable energy heating systems in remote areas in Mongolia.
ADB will administer the $2 million grant financing from the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific (JFPR), which has supported projects in Mongolia in poverty alleviation, livelihood improvement, and environment safeguards over the past 20 years. JFPR is funded by the Government of Japan.
“Adequate heat supply is vital in Mongolia, which can experience extreme low temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius or below,” said ADB Principal Energy Specialist for East Asia Shannon Cowlin. “The project will not only improve air quality with significant impact to public health. It will also demonstrate the viability of renewable heating systems in Mongolia’s rural areas and build capacity among leaders and the community to reduce coal usage." 

Source: ADB

CHINA OPENS NEW VEG, FRUIT EXPORT CHANNEL TO MONGOLIA

China has launched a new export channel of vegetables and fruits to Mongolia with 18.5 tonnes of fresh produce transported via Ganqmod Port, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, on Monday.
Trucks carrying 18 types of vegetables and fruits, including apples, pears, tomatoes and cucumbers, went through the land port in Bayan Nur City, heading for Mongolia's South Gobi province where the demand for agricultural products keeps rising due to a growing population in its mining area.
In the past, fruits, vegetables, and other daily necessities were transported to Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia, via Erenhot, the largest land port on the China-Mongolia border, and then to South Gobi, said Lyu Xiaojun, deputy director of the port management office of Bayan Nur.
The new transportation distance is about 1,500 km shorter, helping reduce costs and keep the freshness of products, Lyu said.

Source: Xinhua

MAKING PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION MORE ACCESSIBLE WITH TECHNOLOGY

A good public transportation system is the backbone of any well-functioning city. It not only benefits the city and residents with its profound environmental benefits but also brings much-needed comfort and convenience to the residents who otherwise would have used their private vehicles crowding the roads and polluting the environment.
According to the survey conducted by UNDP Mongolia Accelerator Lab, despite having a dedicated bus system, only 27% of the Erdenet population, the second-largest metropolitan city in Mongolia, used the services in 2021. Common barriers included bus stops being too far apart and not accessible, drivers skipping stops, and inconveniences including cash-only payment, short working hours, and irregular schedules. So, people increasingly prefer using their private vehicles within the city crowding roads and creating rush hour traffic jams.
App on Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/ng/app/erdenet-bus/id1629546271
App on Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=bus.erdenet.bustripplanner

Source: UNDP

CONSTRUCTION OF 83-KM “NEW RING ROAD” TO BE COMPLETED IN A YEAR

On December 17, Prime Minister of Mongolia L. Oyun-Erdene became acquainted with the construction of new roads and structures and works that are being carried out in the light of tackling the issues of Ulaanbaatar city’s traffic congestion and centralization.
In this regard, during today’s Cabinet meeting, Minister of Road and Transport Development S. Byambatsogt was assigned to oversee the works to complete the construction of the 83-km road within the “New Ring Road” project within a year.
The “New Ring Road” project which has been included in the action plan of the Government’s New Revival Policy, will be 83 km long. According to the estimates, traffic congestion will be reduced by 15-20 percent and road capacity will be increased dramatically once the road is commissioned.

Source: Montsame

HAS PEDIATRIC DENTAL DISEASE REACHED SILENT EPIDEMIC LEVEL? - EDITORIAL

Oral health is an essential component of people’s well-being throughout their life. Unfortunately, dental caries in Mongolian children is high due to excessive consumption of sugar, irresponsibility of parents and lack of health education.
According to a survey, 90 percent of the population suffers from dental diseases nationwide and dental caries is the highest in children among all age groups.
In Mongolia, the first national survey on the oral health status of children aged five, 12, 15 and 18 and adults aged between 35 and 44 and between 65 and 74 was conducted in 2013 and again the next year. These surveys showed a dramatic increase in caries among children as well as complications in adults in both urban and rural areas of the country compared to the study conducted by the School of Dentistry of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences in 2008.

Source: The UB Post

POLITICS

DEMONSTRATION AT SUKHBAATAR SQUARE CONTINUES FOR THE 17TH DAY

The Mongolian Government revised the regulation on mineral license bidding (April 12, 2022) last month, which was made public this month. Currently, exploration licenses are issued by a bidding process only. The tender has been digitalized to automate application processing, license issuance, submission, and reviews by an online platform, and to ensure transparency and openness of the tender review commission decisions. The reform is in line with the digitization policy and the objectives of intensifying explorations.
The goal is to improve the economic turnover of areas with mineral resources by easing licensing process using the online system. Under the rule approved in 2008, the Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority (MRPAM) has set out 8.4 million hectares of land coordinates by a resolution from the Government of Mongolia. A total of 276 exploration licenses have been issued for 1.2 million hectares in total as a result of biddings for 470 sites on a total area of 2.8 million hectares.

Source: Mining Insight

‘CORRUPTION CASES WILL NOT BE PROCESSED IN SIMPLIFIED MANNER’

A demonstration that demands to reveal the names of people involved in the coal theft case continues for the 17th day at the Sukhbaatar Square. Four gers were built at the Sukhbaatar Square for demonstrators to provide them with health service and safety. 
About 15-16 citizens are staying overnight at the Sukhbaatar Square. The police officially informed the demonstrators to leave the Sukhbaatar square immediately, considering that the health condition of the people who were staying overnight could get worse and their lives could be harmed.
In particular, a 17-year-old woman participating in the demonstration got sick and was taken to the hospital on December 19. Also, there is a risk that the demonstrators don’t agree with each other's opinions and there is a risk of chaos.
Therefore, the police warned that there are risks of degrading human dignity through demonstrations, and a negative impact on society. 

Source: GoGo News

CRIMINAL CODE AMENDED TO MAKE SENTENCES STRICTER FOR CORRUPTION

In connection with recent coal theft allegations, Parliament amended the Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code with 95.7 percent of votes during its plenary session on December 16.
The amendments include the following new regulations:
• There will be no pardon or forgiveness in cases of corruption and abuse of official positions. The amended laws will prohibit courts from ruling light sentences to cases of corruption and abuse of power or office by state officials and instead, make sentences stricter.
• A person involved in the crime of corruption will not be employed in public service for the remainder of their life and imprisonment for a term of five to 12 years will be imposed.
• Abuse of power and official position will not be let off with a fine.
• Corruption and office cases will not be processed in a simplified manner.

Source: The UB Post

MONGOLIAN GOVERNMENT PROVIDES MAJOR BOOST TO THE COUNTRY'S THRIVING TECH SECTOR WITH LAUNCH OF 'MINDGOLIA' PROCUREMENT PORTAL

The Government of Mongolia is launching today its new online procurement portal – www.mindgolia.mn – reducing costs and bureaucracy related to the procurement of software solutions and providing a major boost to the country's thriving tech sector.
As part of the Mongolian economy's transition 'from mining to mind', 'Mindgolia' will showcase globally the world-class digital solutions that the Mongolian tech industry has been developing for many years. Open to both the private and public sectors, the new marketplace is also designed to strengthen links between the country's tech industry and global investors, as well as providing a level playing field for Mongolian tech start-ups to compete with more established players.
Mongolia's USD 41 billion ICT industry is growing rapidly, a trend due to continue in the years ahead due to the roll-out of public private partnerships such as 'Mindgolia'.

Source: Yahoo

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP TRANSPARENCY IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

Focusing on countries including Armenia, Mongolia, and the Philippines, it offers a breakdown of relevant international standards and details challenges related to accurate data verification, collection, and disclosure. It highlights best practices, provides practical recommendations, and shows why a multipronged approach to cross-checking ownership information can help reduce money laundering, terrorism financing, tax evasion, and other economic crimes.

Source: ADB
Click here to view the report

YEAR IN REVIEW 2022: UN MONGOLIA HIGHLIGHTS

2022: A look back at the UN Mongolia's key milestones:

• A new phase of cooperation for 2023-2027
• UN Secretary-General’s visit and other high-level visits from the UN
• Prioritizing the SDGs in the national development agenda
• Transforming education in Mongolia
• Global Digital Dialogue
• Developing a multisource information surveillance system for COVID-19
• International women peacekeepers’ conference
• Accelerating climate action and youth engagement
• Promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment
• Completion of two joint programs

Source: UN Mongolia

“EBARILGA” SYSTEM FOR DELIVERING INFORMATION RELATED TO URBAN PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION PERMITS LAUNCHED 

A combination of web and application "eBARILGA" digital system has been launched in order to provide information related to urban planning and construction permits to citizens, to increase citizens' participation in urban planning activities, and to improve government services. Specifically, citizens can obtain information through the www.ebarilga.ub.gov.mn geoportal related to city development master plan, partial master plan, construction project information, architectural planning, and permission in the capital city.
It is also possible to send requests for public services provided by the Urban Planning and Development department of the capital city to citizens and legal entities. Citizens can monitor the processing and requests, view information and notices about the approval period of buildings, report violations related to buildings, get instant information on projects and programs being developed in the field of urban development and planning, and send their requests through the "eBARILGA" mobile phone application.

Source: Mayor's Office

MONGOLIA TRYING TO 'DIVERSIFY' GAS SECTOR TO GET AWAY FROM DEPENDENCE ON RUSSIAN NEIGHBOUR - EDITORIAL 

The deputy prime minister of Mongolia has defended his country buying almost 100% of its gas from Russia, saying that its position as a large landlocked country presents "a lot of problems and issues".
Speaking exclusively to Sky News, Sainbuyan Amarsaikhan said that while Russian sources are important to ensure "continued supply with a reasonable price and timely delivery", the country is looking to "diversify" its gas sector and the economy more broadly "as quickly as possible".
He added Mongolia is looking to countries such as Australia to "strengthen cooperation - bilateral and multilateral".
Mongolia is a large landlocked nation sandwiched between China and Russia.
The logistical challenges of its geography as well as its position as a former Soviet outpost and its historical links with China mean it is highly reliant on its two powerful neighbours for trade and supplies.

Source: Sky News

DEFACTO REVIEW, DEC. 22 - VIDEO

Highlights of the week:
1. Protestors camping out in the freezing cold to fight corruption
2. Names of 17 individuals related to coal theft investigation released
3. How mineral royalties are affecting the economy

Source: Jargal Defacto

MONGOLIA FOCUS: DECEMBER 2022 PROTESTS - EDITORIAL

Once again, following protests in April 2022, primarily younger Mongolians took to Sukhbaatar Square in protest in early December.
I initially wrote about these protests for The Diplomat, pointing out the simmering corruption worries connected to state-owned Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi, but also the mounting frustration that younger Mongolians in particular seem to be feeling regarding the lack of delivery on promises made by successive government that also fueled protests in April 2022.
Two weeks after these protests started, they now seem to be petering out. But, they will likely remain significant as an expression of popular frustration on the one hand, but also in pushing for some more concrete action on corruption, at least in the

 
NewsWire

Issue 761 –  16 December 2022

BCM NewsWire provides short summaries of news collected from around the world. Each article is kept to a maximum of 150 words for brevity, but click on the link next to “Source” to read the full article.

Economy

• Inflation stands at 14.5 pct in November
• Mongolia Jan-Nov coal exports surge 78.7 pct on yr
• Foreign trade up 27 pct in first 11 months
• New housing prices rise 17.3 pct y/y
• The state and the private enterprises exported 336.5 million tons of coal between 2011 to 2022
• New opportunities for Mongolia to strengthen private sector productivity, diversify economy – World Bank report
• Mongolia Jobs Diagnostic: More Vibrant and Inclusive Labor Markets for Economic Recovery and Diversification
• Sustainable Cashmere: The Story of Mongolia
• Tourism Association President: “The Years to Visit Mongolia” will be a Stimulus for the Rapid Recovery of Tourism - Interview
• Squeezed between China and Russia, Mongolia’s herders feel pinch - Editorial
• Building Livelihoods in Mongolia's Underserved Urban Areas - Video

• Government Expediting Works to Resolve Coal Theft Allegations
• A former President, current MPs and CEOs named as ‘coal thieves’
• Upcoming changes to mineral licensing
• Mongolia to take public company at heart of coal mafia corruption scandal
• In Mongolia, the demands of the protesters were included in the amendments to the provisions of the criminal code
• Local administrative bodies of Ulaanbaatar not to celebrate New Year with budget funds
• Should an 8-Year-Old Be Allowed to Race a Horse? - Editorial
• Mongolia unrest looking eerily like a color revolution - Editorial
• Mongolia Witnesses Mass Demonstrations in Face of Corruption and Living Cost Crisis - Editorial
• Interview With France’s Ambassador to Mongolia, Sebastien Surun - Interview
• Anti-Corruption Protests Pressure the Government of Mongolia - Editorial

Business

• Rio Tinto prevails in USD 3.3bn takeover of Turquoise Hill
• MSE to offer one-third of shares in IPO
• Khan Bank to conduct IPO
• What Rights to Land Does a Foreign Invested Company Enjoy in Mongolia?
• Erdene Announces CAD 6 Million Financing to Fund Exploration and Development in the Khundii Gold District
• Petro Matad share price up over 90 pct as license creeps forward
• EBRD and EU support first transmission project in Mongolia
• Bell ceremony organized for the primary market issuance of "Invescore Bond 2.0"
• Coal of Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi to be traded through the MSE
• ADB, Tavan Bogd Group Sign Loan to Support Food Security, Inclusive Business in Mongolia
• Entrepreneurs Share Their Success Stories
• Steppe Gold: Increasing Gold Production from 50,000 Oz to 100,000 Oz per Year in Mongolia - Video

Global and Regional Trends

• Fed raises interest rates half a point to highest level in 15 years
• China's factory, retail sectors skid as COVID hits growth
• ADB Lowers Growth Forecast for Developing Asia Amid Global Gloom
• Asia’s year in review: Who had it good — and who had it bad — in 2022
• ASEAN and EU elevate ties as Vietnam snags billions to go green
• From Hong Kong to Malaysia, property markets set to decline: IMF
• Cochilco cuts copper price projection for 2023 to USD 3.70/lb
• OPEC sees robust global oil demand growth in 2023 after 2022 Chinese contraction
• Colombia to create national mining company, 2022 royalties soar -gov't
• ‘Chip War’: The China-US Competition for Critical Technology - Interview

• BCM Quarterly Report for Q3'22
• BCM submits policy paper
• The BCM appoints Raphaël Goué as official BCM representative in Europe
• SDG Investor Mapping project survey - Identifying business cases for investment opportunities
• UNICEF: Guidance for employers on flexible work arrangements and other good workplace practices in the context of Covid-19
• UNICEF: Call for actions of the private sector to reduce children’s exposure to air pollution in UB
• BCM Guideline for Companies to Combat Air Pollution
• Member-to-member special offers & benefits

Economic Indicators

• Inflation
• Central Bank Policy Rate
• Sovereign Credit Rating
• Currency Rates

ECONOMY

INFLATION STANDS AT 14.5 PCT IN NOVEMBER

The annual inflation rate for Mongolia rose 14.5 percent year on year in November, data by the country's National Statistics Office (NSO) showed Thursday.
The index remained unchanged from a month earlier, yet rose 12.1 percent from the end of last year.
The increase was mainly related to the higher prices for imported goods, the NSO said.
There are 410 items in the country's consumer goods and services basket, with more than half of them being imported, according to the statistical agency.
The Asian country has set a goal of reducing its inflation rate back to single-digit levels by the end of next year, with the implementation of the fiscal policy, the country's Finance Minister Bold Javkhlan has said.

Source: Xinhua

MONGOLIA JAN-NOV COAL EXPORTS SURGE 78.7 PCT ON YR

Mongolia's coal exports came in at 27.11 million tonnes during the first eleven months of 2022, up 78.72% or 11.94 million tonnes year on year. The export value jumped 120.89% from the year prior to $5.74 billion, showed data from the Mongolian Customs General Administration (MCGA).
MCGA didn't release the specific figure for November, and Sxcoal calculated the shipments at 4 million tonnes based on the overall exports published by the administration.
The volume surged 133.98% or 2.29 million tonnes year on year yet decreased 2.12% or 86,800 tonnes month on month, data showed.
In November, the export amounts totaled $626 million, with the average price calculated at $156.47/t, down $209.72/t year on year but up $7.93/t month on month.
Mongolia exported 25.37 million tonnes of coal to China from January to November, soaring 80.33% year on year, taking up 94% of the total.

Source: SXCoal.com
See also: Mongolia iron ore exports down 38.1% in Jan-Nov

FOREIGN TRADE UP 27 PCT IN FIRST 11 MONTHS

Mongolia saw its foreign trade turnover grow 26.6 percent year on year to 19 billion U.S. dollars in the first 11 months of this year, local media reported on Saturday, citing the Mongolian Customs General Administration (MCGA).
Mongolia registered a surplus in foreign trade balance as exports exceeded imports by around 3.2 billion dollars, with mining products accounting for the majority of the mineral-rich country's total exports in the January-November period, the MCGA data showed.
During the period, China remained Mongolia's top export destination, with its major imports including mining and agricultural products, according to the MCGA.

Source: Xinhua

NEW HOUSING PRICES RISE 17.3 PCT Y/Y

The average price per square meter of newly constructed apartments in Mongolia's capital stood at 3.44 million Mongolian Tugriks (1,003 U.S. dollars) at the end of November, up 17.3 percent year on year, the National Statistics Office (NSO) said Thursday.
Meanwhile, the average price per square meter of an old apartment in Ulan Bator reached 3.21 million Mongolian Tugriks (936.4 dollars) at the end of last month, up nearly 15 percent compared with the same period last year, the NSO said.
The significant increases are mainly related to the spike in the price of construction materials and freight rates due to border restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, according to NSO experts.
Housing has been one of the most pressing issues in Mongolia, especially in the capital city, home to over half of the country's population of 3.4 million.

Source: Xinhua

THE STATE AND PRIVATE ENTERPRISES EXPORTED 336.5 MILLION TONS OF COAL BETWEEN 2011 TO 2022

D. Amarbayasgalan, Chief Cabinet Secretary, gave the latest update on current ongoing coal theft.
At the Government meeting held on the 12th December, 2022, it was decided that an international audit to be carried out in regards to the Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi’s financing, mine production and its transportation activities. A Working Group has been established in order to offer an IPO internationally and to open to the public for strategic mines that are currently being possessed by the government and it’s operations such as the Tavan Tolgoi.
As per given update by D.Amarbaysaglan, the state and the private enterprises exported 336.5 million tons of coal between 2011 to 2022, which the sales generated 43 trillion MNT. As per given estimates, the coal theft corruption by the government officials worth 40 trillion MNT are being falsified. 

Source: Mining Insight

NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR MONGOLIA TO STRENGTHEN PRIVATE SECTOR PRODUCTIVITY, DIVERSIFY ECONOMY – WORLD BANK REPORT

Mongolia has an opportunity to strengthen its business  environment to create a more level-playing field for companies, particularly small and medium enterprises, (SMEs) and facilitate a more productive private sector beyond the mining sector, according to a World Bank report released today.
For two decades, economic growth performance has been impressive – though volatile – in Mongolia, with significant success in poverty reduction and human well-being. However, the country has become highly dependent on commodities exports, especially coal and copper with weak linkages between mining and the rest of the economy. Unemployment is high, and the labor force participation is falling, notably for women.
Establishing a more conducive and predictable business environment would benefit SMEs, which are more vulnerable to restrictive regulations and make up 97 percent of the active firms in the country, according to the Mongolia Business Environment and Competitiveness Assessment report.

Source: World Bank
View the report

MONGOLIA JOBS DIAGNOSTIC: MORE VIBRANT AND INCLUSIVE LABOR MARKETS FOR ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND DIVERSIFICATION

The objective of the Jobs Diagnostic (JD) is to generate evidence that will inform policies that create more and better jobs in Mongolia while moving toward a more diversified economy. The strategic direction of the World Bank’s engagement in Mongolia emphasizes jobs as a cross-cutting issue that requires interventions from different sectors. Aligned with this, the JD was initiated to carry out a series of analytical studies intended to provide a rich and nuanced jobs narrative for diversified and sustainable job creation in the country. This task includes core analyses on the macro environment, labor demand, and labor supply as well as in-depth studies in specific areas, including labor market regulations and policies, migration, social assistance programs, COVID-19, and the global green transition. The JD also identifies specific actions and interventions needed to create more vibrant and inclusive labor markets for economic recovery and diversification as envisioned in the recently released New Recovery Policy and Mongolia’s Vision 2050 long-term development framework.

Source: World Bank

SUSTAINABLE CASHMERE: THE STORY OF MONGOLIA

Based on traditional pastoralist livelihoods, the cashmere and wool sector is a key driver of the Mongolian economy and second only to the extractive industries. It is, however, facing challenges due to increased competition from foreign processors. In the past 4 years, our STeP EcoLab Mongolia project shared knowledge on social and environmental standards with Mongolian wool processors and cashmere herders. We supported them in implementing the newly-acquired practices as well as in communicating the value of sustainable Mongolian cashmere to European and global consumers.
The journey started in 2018 with a comprehensive assessment of the Mongolian wool and cashmere value chain. Herders as well as processors were involved in the analysis, yielding a thorough view on the sustainability risks and opportunities of the sector. The onsite assessment was complemented by an analysis on market demands as well as established sustainability communication instruments that could serve as guidance.

Source: Collaborating Centre for Sustainable Consumption and Production

TOURISM ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT: “THE YEARS TO VISIT MONGOLIA” WILL BE A STIMULUS FOR THE RAPID RECOVERY OF TOURISM - INTERVIEW

The Montsame News Agency interviewed Cultural Envoy of Mongolia and President of the Mongolian Tourism Association, D. Gantumur.
- The Government of Mongolia announced 2023 and 2024 as “The Years to Visit Mongolia.” What are the main works to be done in this regard?
- Mongolia announced 2023 and 2024 as “The Years to Visit Mongolia” and approved the slogan “Welcome to Mongolia.” With this announcement, the government aimed to give state support to promoting Mongolia, bind the promotion and activities of many different industries into one policy, and increase the budget and workforce for this activity. On the other hand, the declaration of “The Years to Visit Mongolia” has the political importance of taking the lead to the State and moving forward during this time of tourism industry breakdown. 
Many objects need to be improved, such as the standards of tourist services, availability of air transport, seats, prices, etc., implementation of the “Vision 2050” development policy by specific industries, and what advantages and positivity need to be formed for individuals.

Source: Montsame
See also: Loan Worth MNT 55 Billion to be Issued to Support Tourism

SQUEEZED BETWEEN CHINA AND RUSSIA, MONGOLIA’S HERDERS FEEL PINCH - EDITORIAL

Dulamsuren Demberel, a 58-year-old herder who lives an eight-hour drive from Mongolia’s capital Ulaanbaatar, finds it harder each month to make the household budget work.
Prices of flour and rice, among the basic staples Mongolia’s herders cannot produce themselves, have soared due to the war in Ukraine, with overall inflation running at an eye-watering 14.5 percent.
Even worse has been the 40 percent jump in the price of coal, as well as shortages recent protests have blamed on corrupt officials’ alleged theft of 385,000 tonnes of coal for sale in China.
In Mongolia, where winter temperatures often dip below -35°C, about 60 percent of the population lives in gers – traditional tents – that are not connected to the country’s Soviet-era heating and water grid, but instead heated using coal-powered stoves. More than one-quarter of households are made up of herders like Demberel, who relocate their flocks and gers several times per year.

Source: Al Jazeera

BUILDING LIVELIHOODS IN MONGOLIA'S UNDERSERVED URBAN AREAS - VIDEO

See the impact and visit the beneficiaries of an ADB-assisted livelihood and area improvement project, who fwho are empowered in Mongolia’s ger areas after being adversely affected by involuntary resettlement.
Ger areas are low-density settlements around urban areas that extend outside the city core of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – and they constitute 50% of the city’s population.
Poor air and sanitary conditions in ger areas – can be a serious threat to the city’s environment and people’s health without intervention – we take a look at how economically empowering individuals and improving living conditions can make a significant difference.

Source: ADB

POLITICS

GOVERNMENT EXPEDITING WORKS TO RESOLVE COAL THEFT ALLEGATIONS

Since December 4, peaceful demonstrations is taking place at the central square by citizens demanding the government take decisive and swift actions to resolve the coal theft allegations.
As demanded by the demonstrators, specific measures are being taken by the President of Mongolia, the State Great Khural, the Government, and law enforcement agencies. For instance, a number of working groups have been set up and investigations are underway in accordance with the demonstrators' demands to reveal the violations in the coal sector.
The following decisions were made to resolve the current issue for the past few days:
December 5.
-The Chairman of the State Great Khural issued an ordinance to set up a working group to organize a public hearing on the coal theft allegations.
-The State Great Khural convened virtually to hear reports by the law enforcement agencies regarding the issue.
December 6.
…

Source: Montsame
See also: Mongolian government offers more concessions on probe into coal mafia said to have embezzled billions

A FORMER PRESIDENT, CURRENT MPS AND CEOS NAMED AS ‘COAL THIEVES’

Mongolia’s Anti-Corruption Agency announced yesterday (13 December), names of 17 individuals who involved in a coal theft scandal which caused two week long demonstration in Ulaanbaatar, the country’s capital city. Following officials were directly or indirectly involved in the theft of coal; 

1. Former President of Mongolia Kh.Battulga /Democratic Party/
2. Former Speaker of the Parliament Z.Enkhbold /Democratic Party/
3. O.Shijir, former head of the Office of the President of Mongolia /Democratic Party/
4. Former Minister of Road Transport Development D.Ganbat /Mongolian People’s Party/
5. Member of Parliament A.Adyasuren /Democratic Party/
6. Member of Parliament D.Bat-Erdene /Democratic Party/
7. Member of Parliament T.Anandbazar /Mongolian People’s Party/
8. Member of Parliament N.Naranbaatar /Mongolian People’s Party/
9. Member of Parliament B.Battumor /Mongolian People’s Party/
10. Member of Parliament Ts.Sergelen /Mongolian People’s Party/
11. …

Source: News.mn
See also: Five Mongolian deputies declared that they were not involved in the “coal case”

UPCOMING CHANGES TO MINERAL LICENSING

The Mongolian Government revised the regulation on mineral license bidding (April 12, 2022) last month, which was made public this month. Currently, exploration licenses are issued by a bidding process only. The tender has been digitalized to automate application processing, license issuance, submission, and reviews by an online platform, and to ensure transparency and openness of the tender review commission decisions. The reform is in line with the digitization policy and the objectives of intensifying explorations.
The goal is to improve the economic turnover of areas with mineral resources by easing licensing process using the online system. Under the rule approved in 2008, the Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority (MRPAM) has set out 8.4 million hectares of land coordinates by a resolution from the Government of Mongolia. A total of 276 exploration licenses have been issued for 1.2 million hectares in total as a result of biddings for 470 sites on a total area of 2.8 million hectares.

Source: Mining Insight

MONGOLIA TO TAKE PUBLIC COMPANY AT HEART OF COAL MAFIA CORRUPTION SCANDAL

Mongolia's government has announced that it is to take public Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi (ETT), the state-owned miner embroiled in the “coal mafia” corruption scandal that has engulfed the country in the past couple of weeks.
Officials said that 30-40% of ETT would be sold on the stock exchange in a first sell-off round on December 14 in an effort at bringing transparency to the coal mining industry and cracking down on graft.
Finance Minister Ganbaatar Jambal added: "In order to prevent future coal theft, a digital mining exchange should be operated."
On the afternoon of December 14, hundreds of protesters were keeping up demonstrations against the government in central Ulaanbaatar over the scandal in which officials and company executives have allegedly stolen billions of dollars of export proceeds on coal clandestinely hauled to China. Some protesters told bne IntelliNews that names of suspects provided by the authorities in the affair so far were “just scraps” and that the government was protecting some of the criminals who “stole prosperity from the people”.

Source: bne IntelliNews, Reuters
See also: Emergency regime imposed for “Tavantolgoi Railways” JSC
Mongolia’s top coal company to brace for international audit scrutiny

IN MONGOLIA, THE DEMANDS OF THE PROTESTERS WERE INCLUDED IN THE AMENDMENTS TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE CRIMINAL CODE

The Mongolian government will submit to the parliament a draft amendment to the anti-corruption legislation, which takes into account the demands of the protesters. According to TASS, this was announced by State Secretary of the Ministry of Justice and Internal Affairs Purevzhavyn Sainzorig.
“It was decided to amend the articles of the criminal code, taking into account the demands of the protesters, who ask not to apply the statute of limitations and amnesty to corruption and malfeasance,” he said.
The official noted that protesters are outraged that corrupt officials who have stolen billions are punished with small fines. Therefore, the law will include a clause on the confiscation of property obtained by criminal means. In addition to this punishment, abuse of power and bribery provide not only for a prison term of up to 20 years, but also for life imprisonment from holding public office.

Source: 247NewsAgency.com

LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE BODIES OF ULAANBAATAR NOT TO CELEBRATE NEW YEAR WITH BUDGET FUNDS

At the end of the meeting, the Mayor instructed the local administrative bodies of the capital city not to celebrate the New Year with budget funds. The following duties and tasks were given:
· To ensure the operation of the engineering network, preventing unexpected damage, delays, and outages, scheduling and supervising emergency brigades and duty personnel, and preventing possible accidents and any risks.
· To pay particular attention to the creation of normal working conditions for the western and eastern coal plants of refined coal briquette, monitor the quality and standards of the coal, and take measures to provide households with refined coal briquette without interruption.
· To prevent possible dangers and accidents during work, create and supervise the safety of the environment with risks outside of the work area, and implement the requirements of labor safety and hygiene laws and standards.
· To ensure the peace of citizens in the territory of the capital city, exposure to crime and violations, expulsion and injury, to warn, to ensure safety, and to intensify inspection work.

Source: Mayor's Office

SHOULD AN 8-YEAR-OLD BE ALLOWED TO RACE A HORSE? - EDITORIAL

Soyombo Myagmarsuren, 13, began racing when he turned 6, following in the footsteps of generations of horse trainers. “I love horses,” he says, beaming with pride. “It is cool to gallop on a horse mane until the wind whistles.”
These days, Soyombo walks with a limp. Last winter, he fell from a horse while training for a race.
So he did not race competitively in this year’s Naadam, a summer celebration of Mongolian sovereignty believed to have existed since the second century B.C. and held regularly since 1639. The internationally recognized celebration is referred to locally as the “Three Games of Men,” given its showcase of wrestling, archery and horse racing. These sports symbolize strength, wisdom and courage, respectively. (Despite the name, women and girls now also compete in the latter two.)
In the races, horses run courses of 12 to 26 kilometers (7 to 16 miles) across the steppe, depending on the animal’s age.

Source: Global Press Journal

MONGOLIA UNREST LOOKING EERILY LIKE A COLOR REVOLUTION - EDITORIAL

However, the latest wave of unrest in Mongolia carries ominous signs of a color revolution. As in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, social media are active in stirring up protests.
The protests began last week against the “coal mafia,” which has allegedly been profiteering from doing business with Chinese companies. But various conspiracy theories are spreading on Twitter, including that there would be an internal power struggle among the ruling party elites. 
The government responded promptly, with the cabinet deciding to put in the public domain for scrutiny nine contracts related to the state mining company at the heart of the affair and announcing that all future business deals on coal export will be with public knowledge. The government further announced that a parliamentary committee would probe the scandal.
Several hundred protesters gathered in the freezing cold at Ulaanbaatar’s Sukhbaatar Square last weekend and marched to the presidential residence, with some people attempting to force their way inside the building, chanting and singing while stamping their feet to stay warm – eerily similar to the coup in Kiev in 2014.

Source: The Asia Times

 
NewsWire

Issue 759 –  2 December 2022

BCM NewsWire provides short summaries of news collected from around the world. Each article is kept to a maximum of 150 words for brevity, but click on the link next to “Source” to read the full article.

Economy

• Mongolia's coal exports jump 145 pct YoY in H1 of Nov
• Central bank purchases 2.4 tons of precious metal in November 
• ADB Launches Grid-Connected Solar and Battery Energy System in Uliastai, Mongolia
• New technologies revolutionize health sector
• Food producers to be supported to provide citizens of Ulaanbaatar with healthy and high-quality food
• Ensuring equal opportunities and participation for everyone in the mining industry
• ADB: Improving Air Quality in Ulaanbaatar - Paper
• Mongolia needs fewer cows for better pastureland - Editorial
• Floods have become common in cold, dry Mongolia - Editorial
• In Mongolia, climate crisis threatens herding traditions - Editorial

• Presidents of Mongolia and China hold official talks
• Mongolia and Japan Declare "Special Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity"
• Revised Draft of Law on Tourism Submitted
• Mongolian expert working in U.S. presented experience of LA in reducing traffic congestion
• US experts to provide free consulting services for Selbe River Improvement Project
• Governors tasked to improve living conditions for migrants
• Joint Statement of the United Nations in Mongolia on the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
• Full disclosure needed for 20 billion MNT electoral incentive shared among few parties - Editorial
• State-Socialist Legacies and Selective Perception of Propaganda - Editorial

Business

• Rio Tinto-Turquoise Hill takeover vote set for December 9
• Rio to invest up to 3 bln USD per year in Oyu Tolgoi copper, Rincon lithium, and Simandou iron ore projects
• Assessment of Corporate Governance Code
• MSE "Asset Backed Securities Listing Rule" amended
• "Road to ONE - Mongolia 2022" Successfully Organized at Steppe Arena
• FRC holds training on "Guaranteeing insurance, responsibility in the economy and methods of implementation" 
• TMK Energy and Talon Energy secure earn-in deal for Gurvantes project, Mongolia
• New asset backed securities listed at MSE
• Tender offer made by the controlling shareholder of ‘Mon Beef’ JSC
• Technical assistance to develop capacities on circular economy for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in Mongolia commenced
• Clients to be transferred to “Goodsec UTsK” LLC
• Russian construction company “Vozrozhdenie” expressed its willingness to cooperate in reducing traffic congestion in Ulaanbaatar
• Q&A with Mr Chris Jamieson Managing Director & CEO of Jade Gas Holdings - Interview
• Mogul Ventures working towards PFS in Mongolia - Video

Global and Regional Trends

• Fed's Powell: Rate hikes to slow, but adjustment just beginning
• China factory, services activities slide to 7-month lows on COVID curbs
• India's Growth Slows to 6.3 pct as Inflation, Global Headwinds Weigh
• Codelco sees copper deficit at 8 million tonnes by 2032
• Ghana orders miners to sell 20 pct of refined gold to central bank
• Workers for Chile's Escondida mine accept BHP's offer and will not strike-union source
• Norway to postpone oil and gas licensing round
• Zimbabwe says China's Tsingshan to set up lithium operations
• China's ASEAN Silk Road gets slippery as other powers move in - Editorial

• BCM Quarterly Report for Q3'22
• BCM submits policy paper
• The BCM appoints Raphaël Goué as official BCM representative in Europe
• SDG Investor Mapping project survey - Identifying business cases for investment opportunities
• UNICEF: Guidance for employers on flexible work arrangements and other good workplace practices in the context of Covid-19
• UNICEF: Call for actions of the private sector to reduce children’s exposure to air pollution in UB
• BCM Guideline for Companies to Combat Air Pollution
• Member-to-member special offers & benefits

Economic Indicators

• Inflation
• Central Bank Policy Rate
• Sovereign Credit Rating
• Currency Rates

ECONOMY

MONGOLIA'S COAL EXPORTS JUMP 145 PCT YOY IN H1 OF NOV

Mongolia exported 1.92 million tonnes of coal during the first half of November, up 1.07% compared with the same period in October and jumping 144.95% year on year, according to the National Statistical Office of Mongolia.
During the given period, Mongolia's total coal exports amounted to $280 million, down 1.12% from a month ago but climbing 4.85% year on year, data showed.
In the year to November 15, Mongolia exported 25.03 million tonnes of coal in total, 75.73% higher compared with the preceding year. Exports value surged 140.85% year on year to $5.39 billion.

Source: sxcoal.com
See also: Mongolia's Oct coal railings up 27.36% MoM; iron ore down 9.98%
Mongolia opens new railway to China

CENTRAL BANK PURCHASES 2.4 TONS OF PRECIOUS METAL IN NOVEMBER 

In November, the gold purchase of the Bank of Mongolia (BoM) was 2,667.0 kg, raising the BoM’s total precious metal purchase of 2022 to 19.9 tons.
Since the beginning of this year, the BoM branches in Darkhan-Uul and Bayankhongor aimags have bought 2,780.1 kg and 1,332.0 kg of precious metals respectively.
In November, the average price of BoM’s purchase of 1 gram of gold was MNT 197,545 last month.

Source: Montsame

ADB LAUNCHES GRID-CONNECTED SOLAR AND BATTERY ENERGY SYSTEM IN ULIASTAI, MONGOLIA

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Mongolia inaugurated a grid-connected renewable hybrid energy system in Zavkhan province. The system includes a 5 megawatt solar photovoltaic and 3.6 megawatt-hour battery energy storage system (BESS), along with an advanced energy management system in Uliastai, servicing mostly rural areas in the western region.
“Thanks to this project, more than 48,000 consumers of more than 8,000 households in Altai-Uliastai region will receive clean and reliable energy,” said the Head of Renewable Energy Division of the Ministry of Energy Byekbolat Khalik. “In addition to reduced electricity loss and improved quality of and access to electricity, the system is estimated to cut 223,813 tons of carbon dioxide emissions over the next 25 years.”
The hybrid system will provide about 8.8 million kilowatt-hour (kWh) solar-generated and 1.3 million kWh charged and discharged energy in the Altai-Uliastai energy system, under the ADB’s Upscaling Renewable Energy Sector Project.

Source: ADB

NEW TECHNOLOGIES REVOLUTIONIZE HEALTH SECTOR

The Ulaanbaatar Health Department organized the “UB Healthcare Week 2022” exhibition from November 16 to 18 to share innovative ideas and solutions important for digital transition in public healthcare services. In this regard, to solve the pressing issues in the health sector with technology and expand digitalization, 10 digital services and technologies and innovations in the health sector were presented to the public.
A system has been developed to send the location and route of the incoming ambulance to the caller’s phone. In the past, the caller had no way of knowing where the ambulance was and had to repeatedly call the emergency number, which increased the load at the emergency center. With the introduction of this new system, the load will decrease. The system will be further developed into an application in 2023, providing information on where ambulances are going, as well as advice on measures to be taken. Currently, 70 of the 88 ambulance cars are equipped with GPS.

Source: The UB Post

FOOD PRODUCERS TO BE SUPPORTED TO PROVIDE CITIZENS OF ULAANBAATAR WITH HEALTHY AND HIGH-QUALITY FOOD

There are three main issues facing the field of food production: shortages caused by seasonal and external factors, rising prices, and food security. However, there is enough opportunity to solve these issues with rational and research-based decisions in economics, law, and policy.
Within the framework of the "Food Supply and Security" national movement, a number of measures are planned to be implemented at the capital city level in 2022-2027 through the cooperation of the public and private sectors. Specifically, within the framework of the goal of increasing the food supply, capital city authorities are working on three goals: to increase the domestic production of food products, to introduce an optimal financial and investment system, and to develop the logistics network of food products.
Regarding the policy adopted to improve food supply and safety and provide the citizens of the capital city with the main food products, the Mayor of Ulaanbaatar D.Sumiyabazar said…

Source: UB Mayor's Office

ENSURING EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND PARTICIPATION FOR EVERYONE IN THE MINING INDUSTRY

The principle of "leaving no one behind" is universally recognized as the critical importance of achieving gender equality, or creating an environment in which everyone, including men and women, can enjoy equal opportunities, participation, and the benefits of development. It addresses fundamental human rights issues and enforces gender-responsive policies in all sectors.
Since the adoption of the "Law on Ensuring Gender Equality" in Mongolia in 2011, all government agencies have been developing and implementing sectoral gender policies. The Geology, mining, petroleum, and heavy industry sector gender-responsive policy /2019-2026/ is being implemented under the leadership and initiative of the Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry. The first phase of the policy implementation will end in 2022.
This policy is the primary document that informs how gender equality is implemented in the sector.

Source: Independent Research Institute of Mongolia

ADB: IMPROVING AIR QUALITY IN ULAANBAATAR - PAPER

This brief suggests how Mongolia could improve air quality and tackle emissions in Ulaanbaatar by expanding electric heating, improving energy efficiency, and finetuning subsidies.
It explains how putting stronger policies in place and working with a range of stakeholders would help Mongolia as it looks to increase electricity production while switching from coal to clean heating. Highlighting the need to replace coal stoves with electric heating, it explores how increasing renewable power generation, piloting heat pumps, and reforming subsidies could improve electricity generation and cut air pollution.

Source: ADB

MONGOLIA NEEDS FEWER COWS FOR BETTER PASTURELAND - EDITORIAL

I have been a herder in Mongolia for 30 years and my life, like all other herders, depends on good pasture. But our lands are facing a growing problem of pastureland degradation. This is due to mining, but also the increasing numbers of livestock that we have been putting on the land. More animals might make more money in the short term but contribute significantly to pastureland degradation. If we don’t change our ways, we know that in the near future there will be not enough grass for our animals to eat.
While we all know that we need to change the way we use the land, I have been trying to work out how to achieve it. My wife and I started with our own herd, by selecting animals with higher productivity. We decided to keep 10 good milking cows rather than 20 cows with lower productivity.

Source: Mokoro.co.uk

FLOODS HAVE BECOME COMMON IN COLD, DRY MONGOLIA - EDITORIAL

Rainfall patterns have changed in Mongolia over the past 40 years, meteorologists have found. While overall the country receives the same amount of annual precipitation, deluges are replacing the light rain that previously would fall for more than a week. This has negative consequences for the wildlife and livestock on Mongolia’s grasslands, as well as people living in its fast-expanding cities.
In 2004, only nine incidents of heavy rain and floods were recorded by Mongolia’s National Emergency Management Agency. In the 18 years since that number has risen, with official data recording 72 disasters just last year.
Mongolia’s average temperature has increased by 2 degrees Celsius over the past 70 years, according to the National Agency for Meteorology and the Environmental Monitoring.
Dulamsuren Dashkhuu, senior researcher and director of the Climate Change Research Department at the Information and Research Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Environment, a government agency in Ulaanbaatar, explains that hotter temperatures mean more evaporation.

Source: Scroll.in

IN MONGOLIA, CLIMATE CRISIS THREATENS HERDING TRADITIONS - EDITORIAL

The Tsaikhir Valley may be one of the world’s coldest places, with winter temperatures routinely plummeting below -50C (-58F), but the increasing intensity of its drought conditions, fuelled by ever-warming summers, have left local people wondering how much longer they can hold on. Myagmar-Ochir’s dream of following in his father’s footsteps — and maintaining a culture that has survived for millennia — is under threat.
The Tsaikhir may be on Mongolia’s climate front line, but its herders are not alone in their environmental struggle.
One-third of Mongolia’s three million citizens continue nomadic traditions that are intimately entwined with their natural environment.
As the climate becomes more extreme, both droughts and worsening winter storms, known as dzuds, are disrupting ancient traditions across Mongolia’s steppe.
Many of the Tsaikhir’s young boys and girls no longer see a future in the valley where they were raised; instead, most have eyes on a career in the city, a trend that has seen the Mongolian capital swell…

Source: Al Jazeera

POLITICS

PRESIDENTS OF MONGOLIA AND CHINA HOLD OFFICIAL TALKS

President of Mongolia U. Khurelsukh is paying a state visit to the Republic of China on November 27-28.
Following the welcoming ceremony hosted today for President U. Khurelsukh by President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, the heads of the state of the two countries held official talks.
Underlining that the Mongolia-China Strategic Partnership is being successfully developed, the heads of the state of the two countries concurred to further build mutual trust and understanding and deepen bilateral relations and cooperation in all spheres.
The Mongolian President emphasized that developing good neighborly relations with China occupies an important position in Mongolia’s foreign policy while underscoring that it is of utmost importance to further enhance bilateral relations and cooperation at a time when the world is facing the challenges of international tensions and global pandemic.

Source: Montsame
See also: Mongolian President’s State Visit to China Starts
Cooperation Documents Signed Between Mongolia and China
China, Mongolia inject impetus into ties through three engines
China and Mongolia's shared future reiterated by Khurelsukh's visit

MONGOLIA AND JAPAN DECLARE "SPECIAL STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE AND PROSPERITY"

Within the framework of his state visit to Japan, President of Mongolia U. Khurelsukh today held official talks with Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida.
At the official talks, the two sides reviewed the 50 years of cooperation between Mongolia and Japan since the establishment of diplomatic relations and exchanged views on future goals and prospects, as well as on cooperation in international and regional arenas.
Expressing gratitude to the Government of Japan for its consistent support for Mongolia’s democracy, reforms, and sustainable development, the President of Mongolia reaffirmed his commitment to further consolidating relations and cooperation with Japan, which shares common values of democracy, human rights, and market economy with Mongolia.
The Japanese Prime Minister expressed pleasure for the state visit by the Mongolian President which is taking place on the occasion of the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Source: Montsame
See also: President of Mongolia Paying State Visit to Japan
Japan, Mongolia urge North Korea to stop missile, nuclear activities
President of Mongolia Receives Speaker of Japanese House of Representatives
State Orders and Medals Conferred on the Occasion of Mongolia-Japan Diplomatic Anniversary
Japan Emperor, Empress Meet Mongolian Pres. at Palace
Morin Khuur Ensemble of Mongolia Performed for Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan

REVISED DRAFT OF LAW ON TOURISM SUBMITTED

The Government of Mongolia announced 2023 and 2024 as “The Years to Visit Mongolia". In this regard, the Law on Tourism that was approved in 2000 was revised to improve the legal framework of the tourism industry. The Prime Minister of Mongolia, L. Oyun-Erdene, presented the bill to Chairman of the State Great Khural G. Zandanshatar and requested to discuss it in the urgent procedure.
In the framework of this bill:

• 100 percent of VAT on goods and products purchased by tourists will be refunded
• The number of countries eligible to apply for “E-Visa” will be doubled, and visas will be issued online within 48 hours.
• Liberalization of air transport will be carried out, restrictions will not be imposed for flights to Mongolia for three years, receiving aircraft from all other countries.

Source: Montsame

MONGOLIAN EXPERT WORKING IN U.S. PRESENTED EXPERIENCE OF LA IN REDUCING TRAFFIC CONGESTION

UB Mayor D.Sumiyabazar and relevant officials received Administrative Project Leader of the Southern region of the U.S. state of California and Chief Specialist in Road Transport and Urban Planning Ms. Bayarmaa Alexander. During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on the measures to be taken for traffic congestion reduction and got acquainted with the research implemented by Los Angeles city, California, U.S.
Los Angeles is home to 3.8 million people, and one of the cities facing issues of traffic congestion. According to the research, the main reason for the traffic congestion is not only urban planning, but also the fact that citizens tend to travel by car rather than walking. Specifically, 74.1 percent of the population travel by private car, 12.6 percent use a shared car, 4.9 percent choose public transportation and 4.2 percent work from home.

Source: UB Mayor's Office

US EXPERTS TO PROVIDE FREE CONSULTING SERVICES FOR SELBE RIVER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

Experts from the International Conservation Caucus Foundation (ICCF) recently got acquainted with the Selbe River Improvement Project and agreed to support the project and provide free consulting services. In this regard, Head of Public Administration Management Department of the Ulaanbaatar Mayor’s Office U.Ganbold received Executive Director in charge of ICCF’s Asia Programs Todd Koenings.
U.Ganbold said, “Air, soil and water pollution has become an urgent issue in Ulaanbaatar. It is important to protect the source of the river, landscape the banks and improve water quality by implementing the Selbe River Improvement Project. Therefore, the city authorities are ready to support it in all aspects.”
Executive Director in charge of ICCF’s Asia Programs Koenings emphasized that leading experts in the field got acquainted with the Selbe River Improvement Project and agreed to provide support and advice on environmental issues.
ICCF is an international non-governmental organization operating in 23 countries.

Source: The UB Post

GOVERNORS TASKED TO IMPROVE LIVING CONDITIONS FOR MIGRANTS

Cabinet held its extended meeting with the participation of provincial and urban governors on Wednesday at the State Palace to discuss the issue of supporting citizens and enterprises who want to move from Ulaanbaatar and settle in rural areas.
During the meeting, the relevant ministers were instructed to create a legal framework to improve the working and living conditions of people who migrated from Ulaanbaatar to rural areas and support local enterprises and organizations within the framework of the “Vision-2050” long-term development policy, Government Action Plan for 2020 through 2024 and New Revival Policy.
Cabinet tasked the provincial governors to establish a working group to provide better working and living conditions for migrants and finance a certain percentage of projects, programs and investments. Minister of Economy and Development Ch.Khurelbaatar was also ordered to provide the methodology and unified management for the creation of a digital platform for integrated information, management and regulation of migration for migrant citizens, enterprises, organizations and investors…

Source: The UB Post

JOINT STATEMENT OF THE UNITED NATIONS IN MONGOLIA ON THE 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

Today marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign. In this global movement, people from around the world come together to stand against violence against women and girls in all settings. We must not tolerate any and all forms of violence against women and girls at home, at workplaces and in public.
It has been 25 years since Mongolia joined the global movement, which raises awareness about the reality of gender-based violence and actively engages the public toward ending the discriminatory gender norms and stereotypes that underlie the violence.
According to the National Gender-based Violence Survey, one in every two Mongolian women has experienced violence perpetrated by an intimate partner at least once in their lives. Regrettably, at least one in every three survivors of physical and sexual violence believes that a man is justified in hitting his partner under certain circumstances.

Source: UNDP

FULL DISCLOSURE NEEDED FOR 20 BILLION MNT ELECTORAL INCENTIVE SHARED AMONG FEW PARTIES - EDITORIAL

In accordance with the Law on Political Parties, a one-off incentive of 1,000 MNT per vote obtained in elections has been given to each political party in Parliament from the state budget. However, it is not clear how parties are spending this money as they do not disclose their funding reports to the public. In other words, Mongolia’s political finance regulatory framework faces significant challenges stemming from the current lack of enforcement and various loopholes. Some law revisions are required to address this situation and keep up with the latest best global practices. Most importantly, there is a need to improve the oversight, disclosure and transparency of political finance systems and report on them to the public.
Although the Law on Elections and Law on Political Parties contain political finance regulations (sources of funding, spending limits, audits and sanctions) that apply to both political parties and candidates, the country does not meet international guidelines and best practice recommendations on party funding.

Source: The UB Post

STATE-SOCIALIST LEGACIES AND SELECTIVE PERCEPTION OF PROPAGANDA - EDITORIAL

Every so often, my conversations, especially on visits to Mongolia which are so valuable for my thinking, touch on bigger issues that are challenging to frame as a blog post. This is one of those attempts to wrestle with the legacy of state-socialism, but also the selective citing of propaganda as a cause for current attitudes.
I approach this topic with my own set of biases, especially my refusal to ascribe a lot of causal power to such things as “national identity” or “Mentalität”. My dissertation research comparing constructions of national history in Japan and the Germanies was an attempt to find more proximate causes for differences than some kind of “shame vs guilt culture”.
Enduring Legacies of State-Socialist Propaganda in Gender Relations?
This particular version of the on-going conversation about the extent to which the state-socialist period still has an impact on today’s Mongolia started with a close and exciting conversation with an eyewitness to the revolution.

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