Mongolia News Summary for June 10, 2025

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 MongolBeat or its members.
Today's Stories
Politics
- URGENT: MPP's Steering Committee and Party Conference to Present D. Amarbayasgalan as Nominee for Next Prime Minister
- Today, the MPP's General Assembly Will Elect the Prime Minister
- The Issue of Revoking the Tripling and Quintupling of Vehicle Taxes to be Discussed Tomorrow by Budget Standing Committee
- PHOTO: Members of the MPP's National Consultative Committee Choosing the New Prime Minister
- The MPP Executive Council Nominates G. Zandanshatar for Prime Minister
- Mongolian People's Party Conference: G.Zandanshatar Nominated as Prime Minister of Mongolia
- MONGOLIAN PEOPLE'S PARTY'S GOVERNING COUNCIL SUPPORTS NOMINATION OF G. ZANDANSHATAR FOR PRIME MINISTER
- MPRP Nominates G. Zandanshatar for Prime Minister
- Mongolian People's Party's Executive Council Unanimously Nominates G. Zandanshatar as Next Prime Minister
- Issue of Abolishing the Increase in Vehicle Tax to be Discussed
- The MPP Executive Council Has Begun Meeting to Select the Candidate for Prime Minister
- B.Enkh-Amgalan: The Newly Formed Government Needs to Downsize the Bureaucracy, Cut Spending, and Prioritize Projects and Programs
- Chief of the President's Office G. Zandanshatar Nominated for Prime Minister
- A Candidate for Prime Minister Will Be Selected
- Prohibition on Selling Property Below Its Purchase Price Ruled Unconstitutional
- M.Oyunchimeg: Out of the three candidates for Prime Minister, one withdrew, and now the vote is between G.Zandanshatar and G.Temülen
- G. Zandanshatar was supported 100% for Prime Minister
- Internal Generational Struggle within MPP Prevents Appointment of New Prime Minister
- The MPP's Board Nominates G. Zandanshatar, Some Party Congress Delegates Nominate G. Temuulen for Prime Minister
- A Word to the New Prime Minister
Economy
- AFR: Mongolia Forces Rio Tinto to Make Major Changes to Oyu Tolgoi Underground Mine Engineering Plan
- Mongolia Millennium Challenge Account Invitation for Price Quotations
- China Requests Special Attention to Tugrik Exchange Rate in Cross-Border Railway Contract
- FRC: Meeting with International Monetary Fund Representatives
- B.Delgersaikhan: There is no special privilege given to 'China Energy'. The two sides have made a mutually beneficial agreement
- U.Baatar: We Are Inviting Private Companies to Bring 41 Hectares in 26 Areas of the Selbe Project Into Economic Circulation
- Reserve Meat is Being Sold at Discounted Prices at 38 Locations in 8 Districts
- Stephen Scott, CEO of Entree LLC: I have repeatedly offered the Mongolian Government their 34% share. No one has responded.
- JCDecaux Mongolia LLC: Invitation to Tender
- 0.15 Thousand Tons of Combed Goat Cashmere Exported
- Net Profit of Insurance Companies Reaches 146 Billion Tugriks
Diplomacy
Infrastructure
- Contract for the Construction of the Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod Port Finalized
- "Railway Construction Projects Will Continue Regardless of Political Circumstances"
- KHOVSGOL: Construction Projects with an Investment of 35.5 Billion MNT Launched in Murun Soum
- Over 600 Million USD Required for Investment in CHP-5 Project
- G. Janlavtsogzol: The concrete foundation work for the 63 MW Dambadarjaa Thermal Power Plant is nearing completion
- Road Closure and Renovation from Sharga Mortiin Intersection to Guntiin Pass
- This year, only two out of fifteen planned stormwater drainage networks have begun construction in Ulaanbaatar
- Pipelines Affected by BRT Project to Be Moved into Tunnel System
- Electricity to be Restricted in Five Districts
- KHOVD: 700-800 people will work on the construction of the Erdeneburen Hydropower Plant project
- Hot Water Supply to be Restricted and Maintenance to be Conducted in Several Khanuul District Locations Starting Tomorrow
- KHOVD: Electricity Supply to be Restricted
Society
- Citizens of China, Russia, South Korea, India, the USA, the Philippines, and Vietnam Predominantly Reside in Our Country
- Student Police Officers to Begin Ensuring Tourist Safety from Tomorrow
- John Wierens: Mongolians Need World-Class Protection
- Some Citizens of the Capital Fight to Avoid Freezing to Death, Others to Avoid Sickness
- URGENT: 1.2 kg of drugs transported by international flight seized at "Chinggis Khaan" airport
- BULGAN: Let's Get to Know the Countryside - Resort, Education, and Tour Welcomes Guests Starting Today
- LIVE: First Deputy Mayor T. Davaadalai Meets with Kiosk Operators and Demands Them to Disperse Their Illegal Protest
- PHOTOS: Kiosk Operators Confront Deputy Mayor
- This Wednesday Will Be a Nationwide Public Holiday
Innovation
- EVENTS: International Conference on Applied Science Engineering to Begin
- T.Davaadalai: There is now an opportunity to process solid waste into gravel and sand, bringing it into economic circulation
- PHOTO: The Champions of the 'ENJOY AI' Robotics and Coding Competition Opening Opportunities for Local Students on the World Stage Have Been Announced
- 2 Years of Study at MUST and 2 Years in South Korea for Metro and Tram Maintenance
Health
Politics
URGENT: MPP's Steering Committee and Party Conference to Present D. Amarbayasgalan as Nominee for Next Prime Minister
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: isee.mn
Today, the MPP's Steering Committee will meet at 09:00, followed by the MPP Party Conference at 11:00. In these meetings, a nominee for the position of Prime Minister will be selected and supported. Last Friday, the Steering Committee met, but no nominee was announced; instead, only the Party Conference was scheduled before adjourning. - D. AMARBAYASGALAN TO BE NOMINATED FOR PRIME MINISTER; J. ENKHBAATAR OR G. TEMUULEN CONSIDERED AS HIS REPLACEMENT - In the past period, many people within the party vied in secret for the position of Prime Minister. However, last night, the MPP finally settled on a nominee for Prime Minister. According to sources, "It is possible that Speaker of Parliament D. Amarbayasgalan will be nominated for Prime Minister." It is rumored that D. Oyun-Erdene may be behind his nomination. Nonetheless, it is possible that throughout the whole process, Oyun-Erdene worked internally in support of his friend while outwardly maintaining a neutral stance. In the end, as discussed since the beginning of the process, there are ongoing discussions at this moment about appointing D. Amarbayasgalan as Prime Minister. The process of dismissing L. Oyun-Erdene has just started; after meeting with the President, he met with several people in his office. Among those present were Speaker of Parliament D. Amarbayasgalan and Mayor of the City Kh. Nyambaatar. During the meeting, Speaker D. Amarbayasgalan reportedly told his friend, "Hand over your job. I will continue all of your initiated projects and major works." D. Amarbayasgalan managed to conceal his intentions until last Friday. In any case, as of last night, MPP leaders have agreed on his name. - PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A GRAND COALITION GOVERNMENT EXCLUDING ONLY THE DP, TO INCLUDE THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE, HUN PARTY, AND IZNN - It appears that one of the active candidates, J. Enkhbayar or G. Temuulen, may be appointed as Speaker of Parliament. Recent activities have shown strong engagement from figures born in the 1970s, who said they would support J. Enkhbayar and G. Zandanshatar. What will happen to them today is also under attention. Additionally, there have been discussions to form a Grand Coalition government by excluding only the Democratic Party (DP), but including the National Alliance, HUN Party, and IZNN. If these negotiations succeed, it is proposed to offer the Ministry of Economic Development to National Alliance leader N. Nomtoibayar. It was also decided to reduce the number of ministries. For this reason, last Friday, 119 of the MPP's Party Conference members demanded the establishment of a "Grand Coalition Government" from the party leadership.
Today, the MPP's General Assembly Will Elect the Prime Minister
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn
The General Assembly of the Mongolian People's Party is scheduled to take place today at 10:00 AM. At this meeting, a candidate for the Prime Minister of Mongolia will be selected. Last Friday, the party's executive council met and set the date for the General Assembly. Additionally, a member of the General Assembly has informed the party leadership through the media of their request to discuss the formation of a broad coalition government during today's meeting. Based on this request, it seems that the General Assembly members may discuss not only the selection of a prime ministerial candidate but also the possibility of forming a coalition government. Note:
Media organizations (TV, radio, social media, and web pages) are prohibited from fully or partially using our information in any form, except with agreement and by clearly stating the source (ikon.mn).
The Issue of Revoking the Tripling and Quintupling of Vehicle Taxes to be Discussed Tomorrow by Budget Standing Committee
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: isee.mn
The Parliament's Budget Standing Committee is set to discuss the issue of revoking the increase in vehicle taxes and the road usage fee tomorrow, Tuesday. Specifically, when the Ulaanbaatar City Council approved the city's budget for 2025, it also adopted a resolution to revise the rates for both vehicle taxes and road usage fees. As a result, the vehicle tax was tripled and the road usage fee was increased fivefold. This regulation came into effect on January 1 of this year. Since the implementation of this decision, 33,000 citizens have signed a petition to revoke the increased taxes imposed on vehicles in Ulaanbaatar. In response, a parliamentary working group was formed last month. Members of the working group criticized the measure, stating that vehicle taxes had not been increased since 2013, and that the 3-5 fold increase this year was unjustified. They also noted that the increase was implemented without properly informing citizens of the reasons and necessity. In an online poll about increasing taxes for vehicles registered in the city, only two people participated.
PHOTO: Members of the MPP's National Consultative Committee Choosing the New Prime Minister
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn
The attendance of the Mongolian People's Party's National Consultative Committee is being met and the meeting is starting. Before this, the party's Executive Council convened and made the decision to nominate former Speaker of Parliament G. Zandanshatar as Prime Minister. This decision of the Executive Council will be discussed and resolved at the National Consultative Committee meeting. Warning
Media organizations (television, radio, social media, and websites) are strictly prohibited from using our information in whole or in part in any form, and it may only be used with mutual agreement and with proper source citation (ikon.mn).
The MPP Executive Council Nominates G. Zandanshatar for Prime Minister
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: itoim.mn
The Executive Council of the Mongolian People’s Party (MPP) has decided that the current Chief of Staff of the President’s Office, G. Zandanshatar, is the most suitable candidate for Prime Minister under the current circumstances. The reasoning is that the economic situation has become difficult and it is believed he can calm the internal strife within the party. Therefore, the Council has resolved to submit his nomination to the MPP General Assembly. The Executive Council of the MPP consists of 32 members, and preliminary information suggests he received unanimous support. G. Zandanshatar, the nominee for Prime Minister, became the Chief of Staff of the President’s Office after losing as a candidate in the 2024 parliamentary elections. Previously, he was elected to parliament five times and has also served as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Head of the Cabinet Secretariat, and Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture. Currently, the General Assembly of the MPP has commenced at the Independence Palace. The assembly has over 330 members, and it began after more than 60 percent of them had arrived. After the nominee for Prime Minister is submitted to and supported by the General Assembly, the process of submitting the nomination to the State Great Khural (parliament) will begin. According to law, a new government must be established by July 3.
Mongolian People's Party Conference: G.Zandanshatar Nominated as Prime Minister of Mongolia
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: gogo.mn
Mongolian People's Party (MPP) General Secretary Ya.Sodbatar has announced the results of the vote. He stated, "The 7th Conference of the MPP was successfully held. In accordance with the Constitution of Mongolia and the Party's charter, the issue of appointing a new Prime Minister was discussed. Four people were nominated for the position of Prime Minister. This morning, the MPP Executive Committee met and, upon the recommendation of Prime Minister L.Oyun-Erdene, unanimously supported the candidacy of G.Zandanshatar for Prime Minister. When the session began, three more people were nominated from the floor. Two candidates withdrew, leaving G.Temuulen and G.Zandanshatar as the finalists. As a result, G.Zandanshatar has been nominated for Prime Minister of Mongolia. Approximately 67% of the participants supported G.Zandanshatar. After agreement with President U.Khurelsukh, the next steps will proceed. The name of the new Prime Minister will be submitted to the President. During the special session, members asked detailed and wide-ranging questions regarding the economic, political, international, and budgetary situation, leading to broad and multifaceted discussions. After about 50 members posed questions to the nominees, a vote was conducted. Today’s session focused solely on the appointment of the new Prime Minister. The new Prime Minister will later present the structure and composition of the Cabinet to parliament. Since the MPP holds 68 seats in parliament, Ya.Sodbatar expressed confidence that the new Prime Minister will be approved by the State Great Khural (parliament)." Voting began with members of the party's conference asked to choose between nominees G.Zandanshatar and G.Temuulen for the position of Prime Minister of Mongolia. After the secret ballot, the results were announced openly. Member of Parliament G.Temuulen nominated himself from the floor. Additionally, conference member Mr. Nergui (from Khentii province) and Parliament Speaker D.Amarbayasgalan were each nominated by others from the floor. However, both Mr. Nergui and D.Amarbayasgalan withdrew their candidacies, with Mr. Nergui withdrawing after opposition from the floor. The 7th MPP Conference started at 13:30 at the Independence Palace. MPP conference members have convened again after 18 days. This session will decide on the next leader of MPP and nominate Mongolia's 33rd Prime Minister. Attendance for the session was at 62%. The conference was scheduled last Friday by the MPP Executive Committee. The previous MPP conference was held on May 21, where a decision was made to withdraw from the coalition government due to the Democratic Party (DP) violating the coalition agreement.
MONGOLIAN PEOPLE'S PARTY'S GOVERNING COUNCIL SUPPORTS NOMINATION OF G. ZANDANSHATAR FOR PRIME MINISTER
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn
The meeting of the Governing Council of the Mongolian People's Party (MPP) has concluded. During the meeting, the candidate for Prime Minister was identified. With 100% of the votes from the 42-member Council, G. Zandanshatar, Secretary of the President's Office, was chosen to be nominated for the post of Prime Minister. The decision made by the Council will next be discussed at the Small Congress. Notice: Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social media, and Websites) are prohibited from fully or partially reproducing and using our information in any form. Information may only be used following agreement, and the original source (ikon.mn) must be cited.
MPRP Nominates G. Zandanshatar for Prime Minister
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: news.mn
The Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party’s (MPRP) Executive Council has determined that it is appropriate to nominate G. Zandanshatar, Chief of Staff of the President’s Office, for the position of Prime Minister. Therefore, his candidacy will be submitted to the party’s General Assembly. The Executive Council has 32 members and, according to preliminary information, G. Zandanshatar received unanimous support. G. Zandanshatar, the nominee for Prime Minister, became Chief of the President’s Office after running and losing in the 2024 parliamentary elections. Previously, he was elected to parliament five times and has held positions such as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Director of the Cabinet Secretariat, and Deputy Minister of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry. Education: - 1977-1987: Graduated from secondary school in Ölzeyt sum, Bayankhongor aimag and School No. 77, a ten-year secondary school in Ulaanbaatar.
- 1987-1992: Studied at the Irkutsk State Academy of National Economy in Russia, earning a degree in finance and economics.
- Completed courses in banking, finance, and business administration in the USA, India, South Korea, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Holds a master’s degree in economics. Work experience:
• 1992-1995: Teacher and researcher at the College of Markets, now the University of Commerce and Industry
• 1995-1998: Economist and department/director at the Agricultural Bank
• 1998-2000: Training center manager at the Bank of Mongolia and official representative at the Agricultural Bank
• 2000-2003: Deputy Director at Khaan Bank
• 2003-2004: Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture of Mongolia
• 2004-2012: Member of the State Great Khural (Parliament)
• 2009-2012: Minister of Foreign Affairs
• 2012-2013: Secretary General of the Mongolian People’s Party
• 2013-2015: Researcher at the Center for Democracy, Development and Rule of Law at Stanford University, USA
• Since 2016: Member of Parliament
• 2017-2019: Member of government, State Minister, and Cabinet Secretariat Director
• Since 2019: Speaker of the State Great Khural
• Since July 2024: Chief of Staff of the President’s Office J. Bat-Erdene: We Must Establish a Professional Government Member of Parliament J. Bat-Erdene gave the following comments: - What qualities should a prime ministerial candidate have, in your view? - The economic situation is difficult. Sales of mining products have dropped, especially for coal, and the budget deficit has grown. There is a pressing need to revise the national budget. We need a person who can see the big picture for the country. The government needs to recognize what is essential in each sector and build a cabinet accordingly. Not all problems depend on just the Prime Minister. We need a team that can organize and decide which sectors to prioritize and develop. That is the kind of person who should become Prime Minister. - Should the new government be a coalition government or solely run by one party? - A coalition government would be preferable. With a parliament of 126 members, the mixed-proportional system has led to more parties. This increases oversight and total control over the government. In the previous government, though the Democratic Party joined, its members expressed their views. This is a solid foundation for democracy, and further coalition governments are necessary. Mongolians should work toward mutual support instead of pulling each other down, creating a parliament that can reach consensus. - Should the new government continue all 14 mega projects or prioritize some and postpone others? - The economy is trending toward hardship, with foreign trade stagnating and mining exports declining. The government should review all 14 mega projects, reduce the number, consolidate ministries such as the Ministry of Ports and the 20-Minute City Ministry, or transfer their functions elsewhere. A smaller, more professional government must be formed. The revised budget for 2025 is now a necessity. I believe the government should propose a plan for a streamlined, professional cabinet and get parliamentary approval. - If offered a ministerial post, would you accept? - I have no particular desire to become a minister. There is no need to rush or be anxious about it. “MPRP Should Free Itself from the Influence of the Person Called Jenko” At this very moment, the MPRP’s Executive Council is meeting. Once it finishes, the party’s General Assembly will begin. Members are arriving at the Independence Palace to attend the meeting. General Assembly member S. Ankhbayar gave the following comments: - The Executive Council is meeting to discuss candidates for Prime Minister. Are there voices regarding working again with the Democratic Party? What is your opinion? - The Executive Council is still in session, so no official nomination. It is unlikely that cooperation with the Democratic Party will be revisited within a month. Preferably, the MPRP should rule alone or include small parties if necessary. Both the People’s Party and the Democratic Party, as well as Mongolia as a whole, need to free themselves from the influence of the person known as Jenko. Therefore, a leader from the People’s Party who has no relation to Jenko should be nominated as Prime Minister. - Of the possible candidates being considered, whom do you support? Are there attempts to influence General Assembly votes? - Only one name is being discussed—G. Zandanshatar. In general, it’s important to rid ourselves of Jenko K. Battulga’s influence. There have been no attempts to influence or box in the vote at recent assemblies. Members vote by their own conviction. There have been no efforts to box in support for anyone so far. Personally, I will listen to the candidate proposed by the Executive Council. It is not right to mention names or praise someone before the Council has officially decided. - What do you expect of the new Prime Minister? - The main issue is the economy. Also, there are real fractures among party members, which must be addressed. The Prime Minister’s nomination should not be decided through internal deals but by someone supported by the people. The economy is likely to get even tougher. All agencies with vertical management have already had their costs slashed. The civil service is now counting sheets of paper due to lack of operating expenses, while 400 so-called productivity managers have been hired, which is excessive. The new Prime Minister should start by eliminating the role of productivity manager and saving government expenses, but not at the expense of junior civil servants.
Mongolian People's Party's Executive Council Unanimously Nominates G. Zandanshatar as Next Prime Minister
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: isee.mn
The Mongolian People's Party (MPP) held its Congress and Executive Council meetings to select a nominee for the next Prime Minister. During its meeting, the MPP Executive Council unanimously supported nominating the Head of the Presidential Office, G. Zandanshatar, as Prime Minister. Regarding this decision, Ch. Khurelbaatar, a member of the MPP Executive Council, stated, "Given the current challenging economic situation and the fact that we have dismissed our party leader, we believe it is appropriate to nominate someone who can ensure the party's unity. Therefore, we have unanimously decided to nominate G. Zandanshatar, who previously served as the Speaker of Parliament, as the Prime Minister of Mongolia."
Issue of Abolishing the Increase in Vehicle Tax to be Discussed
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: news.mn
The Parliament's Standing Committee on Budget will discuss tomorrow, Tuesday, the issue of abolishing the increase in the vehicle tax and the road usage fee. When the City Council approved the capital's 2025 budget, a draft resolution was also approved to revise the rates for vehicle and self-propelled vehicle taxes and road use fees. According to the plan, the vehicle tax was to be tripled, and the road usage fee increased fivefold. This regulation entered into force on January 1 of this year. Since the implementation of this decision, 33,000 citizens have signed a petition to abolish the increased taxes on vehicles registered in Ulaanbaatar. As a result, last month the Parliament formed a working group. The members of this group note that these taxes had not been increased since 2013, and this year's three- to fivefold increase is questionable. They also stated that increasing the taxes without informing citizens properly about the reasons and needs was inappropriate. Interestingly, when seeking online public opinion regarding increasing vehicle taxes for cars with city license plates, only two citizens participated. Drivers pay varying amounts of tax depending on their engine capacity. For example, with the new law, a 1,500cc vehicle which previously paid 36,000 MNT per year in vehicle tax will now pay 108,000 MNT, a threefold increase. The road usage fee for the same vehicle, previously 20,000 MNT, will now be 100,000 MNT under the new law. In total, a 1,500cc vehicle will pay 208,000 MNT annually for both taxes. In the case of a 3,500cc vehicle, the tax used to be 114,048 MNT; with a threefold increase it will now be 342,144 MNT. The annual road usage fee for such a vehicle was previously 40,000 MNT, but now it will be 200,000 MNT. Altogether, a vehicle with a 3,500cc engine will now pay 542,144 MNT in total vehicle-related taxes. According to the law, citizens must pay their vehicle taxes by May 31 each year. In Mongolia, those owning vehicles and self-propelled machines are obliged to pay the annual tax to the relevant tax office before June 1. There are 718,000 registered vehicles in the capital's tax office, of which 331,791 are classified as taxpayers. However, 228,710 citizens have already paid their vehicle and self-propelled vehicle taxes.
The MPP Executive Council Has Begun Meeting to Select the Candidate for Prime Minister
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: isee.mn
The meeting of the Mongolian People's Party (MPP) Executive Council was originally scheduled to begin at 09:00 but, after several delays, has just commenced. Specifically, the Executive Council meeting, which was supposed to start at 09:00, had been postponed due to insufficient attendance. Now, as the quorum has been reached, the meeting has finally started. During this meeting, the candidate for the position of Prime Minister will be selected. According to sources, a presentation is being prepared to nominate G. Zandanshatar, the Chief of Staff of the President's Office, as the candidate. If he is supported by the Executive Council, the selection will proceed to the Party Conference where it will be decided whether to approve his candidacy.
B.Enkh-Amgalan: The Newly Formed Government Needs to Downsize the Bureaucracy, Cut Spending, and Prioritize Projects and Programs
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: isee.mn
We spoke about current issues with B.Enkh-Amgalan, Associate Professor at the National University of Mongolia and economist. — What kind of economic situation do you think the new government will inherit? Currently, because we are unable to sell coal at the planned price, there is a real difficulty in the reduction and shortfall of budget revenues. How do you see a way out of this? — In the first four months of this year, state budget revenues have fallen short by about 1.3 trillion MNT. At the same time, budget expenditures have increased by about 760 billion MNT. This means that the budget situation is not good. I expect the May report will be published soon, and the gap is likely to increase further. The next Prime Minister should continue the positive aspects of the economic achievements, focus on curbing the increase in budget spending, and prioritize and implement key projects. In particular, I think it is right to allocate investment to projects that can generate economic returns and recoup the investment first. — IF THIS CONTINUES, IT WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE NOT TO DISCUSS A BUDGET AMENDMENT EITHER AT THE END OF THIS MONTH OR THE BEGINNING OF NEXT MONTH — Do you think there is a need for a budget amendment for 2025? If this continues for long, the issue of budget amendment will likely be discussed at the end of this month or the beginning of next month. There isn't a possibility to let this situation continue. — Was expecting to export 83 million tons of coal in 2025 an overly optimistic estimate? Where do you think the previous government went wrong? For example, when the draft budget was being discussed in Parliament in November last year, the US-China trade war had already started. Some economists have criticized that this risk was not factored in. Do you agree? Our country tends to overestimate budget revenues. For example, when calculating forecast revenue from coal, the price is often set quite high. However, coal prices depend on supply and demand. There is little attention paid to the forecasts, assumptions, and trends in the international market. The assumption seems to be that because the price went up this year, it will go up again next year. But, both price increases and decreases happen on the market. None of this was really taken into consideration. For example, this year, although the volume of exported coal has remained the same, due to price decreases, the revenue coming into the budget from coal has dropped. So, when planning our budget revenues, we need to thoroughly study global market forecasts. Surface-level speculation leads to budget revenue shortfalls, and situations where expenditure cannot be reduced, with negative consequences. — The coal price affects not only the budget but also taxes for citizens and companies. — One important element in budget formation is coal. However, tax revenue from companies also has a major influence on the state budget. Currently, due to the budget revenue shortfall, companies are being pressured to urgently pay their taxes. In this situation, our main solution should be to increase exports. The rising prices of copper and gold have a relatively positive effect. At the same time, we need to clearly define what policy to implement relying on companies. Just pressuring companies to generate budget revenue and pay taxes is not effective. Therefore, the main issue the next government must resolve is how to address these issues arising in the short term with effective medium- and long-term solutions. — Capital outflow has decreased, and the USD/MNT exchange rate continues to strengthen. How long do you think this trend will last? — The foreign currency income from coal has fallen. Also, comparing the first four months of last year and this year, import expenditures have increased by about 700 million USD. These factors affect the foreign currency supply and demand. However, in the long run, as foreign currency reserves are increasing, I think the situation will balance out. — COUNTRIES WITH POPULATIONS LIKE OURS OPERATE WITH 12 MINISTRIES — Do you think the new government should plan its expenses according to its revenue, grant tax breaks to companies, jumpstart large projects, and most importantly, attract foreign investment and accelerate efforts to secure funding? Economists have repeatedly advised on the need to prioritize major projects and put into action vital programs that benefit the economy. — Yes. Initially, more attention should be paid to projects that help the economy get back on its feet. For example, issues with border ports can be addressed, as this would be important to rapidly increase exports. On the other hand, the new government should seriously consider cutting spending. In particular, we are discussing the issue of 21 ministers across many ministries. Countries with populations similar to ours operate with 10–12 ministries and about 14 ministers, meaning they have a leaner structure. Because many parties share power, allocating cabinet posts has contributed to higher budget expenditures. Thus, the newly established government should reduce the number of ministries and ministers, and cut the number of administrative staff. Only then can budget savings be realized. — The trade war will continue. What urgent measures do you recommend our country should take so that we can overcome the confrontation between these two major countries with minimal damage? — The US courts have recently issued decisions restricting tariff policies introduced by President Trump. Meanwhile, countries are making efforts to reach agreement with the US. However, the high tariffs that could affect our coal and steel exports remain in place. Moreover, there is a possibility to supply coal, but there is also a risk of falling demand. As a result, our nation's budget could come under pressure. Therefore, unless next year's budget is planned very carefully, we may end up in the adverse effects of this tariff war. We must necessarily reflect this in our plans, and precisely determine the coal export volume and prices for next year. B.Enkhmaa
Chief of the President's Office G. Zandanshatar Nominated for Prime Minister
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: isee.mn
The Mongolian People's Party (MPP) is holding its Executive Council and General Assembly meetings. During these meetings, the party is set to decide who will be nominated as the next Prime Minister. According to sources, the MPP's Executive Council, which is currently in session, has nominated G. Zandanshatar, Chief of the President's Office, for the position of Prime Minister. Previously, there were reports that either D. Amarbayasgalan, Speaker of the State Great Khural, or J. Enkhbayar, Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry, would be nominated for Prime Minister. However, at the last moment, the MPP leadership decided to nominate G. Zandanshatar. Soon, the MPP's General Assembly will convene to deliberate on the Executive Council's decision. If G. Zandanshatar is appointed as Prime Minister, it would mean that someone who is not a member of the State Great Khural would be leading the executive branch. Notably, he ran in the 2024 parliamentary elections in Constituency 1 but was not elected.
A Candidate for Prime Minister Will Be Selected
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: news.mn
Last Friday, the Executive Council of the Mongolian People's Party (MPP) held a meeting and scheduled an upcoming National Conference to select a candidate for Prime Minister. Specifically, the party's National Conference will take place today, June 9, at 11:00 AM. At this conference, a candidate for the Prime Minister of Mongolia will be chosen. According to the Constitution, Article 43, Clause 2, and Article 44, Clause 2, a new Prime Minister must be appointed within 30 days. In other words, the new Prime Minister must be appointed before July 3. If the appointment cannot be made within this period, according to Clauses 34.3.2 and 34.3.3 of the Law on the State Great Khural (Parliament), the President has the authority to issue a decision to dissolve the Parliament.
Prohibition on Selling Property Below Its Purchase Price Ruled Unconstitutional
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: unuudur.mn
At a session of the Constitutional Court's Middle Chamber last Friday, a dispute over whether certain provisions in the Law on State Registration of Property Rights violate relevant articles of the Constitution was examined. The session discussed provision 9.9.3 of the Law on State Registration of Property Rights, which states: "Except as specified in 9.1.5 of this law, the prices specified in 9.1.3 and 9.1.4 of this law shall not be registered at a value lower than the most recently registered price." The Court found that this provision violated articles 1.2 (which states that rule of law is a fundamental principle of government activity), 5.3 (which says that the rights of an owner can be restricted only on the grounds provided by law), and 16.3 (which provides the right to fairly acquire and own immovable property) of the Constitution. As a result, it was decided to suspend the related provision starting June 6, 2025. In other words, prohibiting a person from selling their property at a price lower than the price at which they acquired it was found to violate several articles of the Constitution. The Court's ruling will be submitted to the Parliament within 15 days. If Parliament discusses and accepts the ruling, the provision in the Law on State Registration of Property Rights in question will be annulled. Regarding this matter, lawyer O. Batkhuu commented that "Chairman Kh. Nyambaatar enacted a law on reducing traffic congestion and developing ger areas into apartment complexes without a public discussion, under urgent procedures. As a result, amendments were made to about 20 laws, among which was a 'communist' provision forbidding people from selling their property at a lower price. After this law passed, the General Agency of State Registration began to experience daily disputes. For example, someone who bought a plot for 10 million MNT couldn't sell it for 8 million because they were told 'no transfer of ownership.' As a result, people began to resort to forging contracts and committing crimes." According to the General Agency of State Registration, 80-90 citizens on average per day across the country have not been able to register their property due to the introduced amendments dealing with property values.
M.Oyunchimeg: Out of the three candidates for Prime Minister, one withdrew, and now the vote is between G.Zandanshatar and G.Temülen
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: isee.mn
The Mongolian People's Party (MPP) Conference is currently ongoing. During this conference, a candidate for the next Prime Minister will be chosen. The MPP's leadership council met in the morning and supported nominating the Head of the Presidential Office, G.Zandanshatar, as the next Prime Minister. Additionally, G.Temüulen nominated himself from the floor. A vote is currently taking place. Regarding this, former Member of Parliament M.Oyunchimeg stated, "During the conference, member G.Temüulen put his own name forward. In total, three people were nominated. One of them withdrew, so now the vote will be held between two individuals. There are no packages or deals among the conference members at all. Thirty-nine members of the conference asked questions, and each candidate answered them. The conference previously decided not to cooperate with the Democratic Party (DP). That decision remains unchanged. Chairman B.Amarbayasgalan decided to withdraw his candidacy, considering there is a lot of work to be done in parliament and due to the current situation. The main topic discussed by the members is the economy. Candidates gave concrete answers on issues such as reducing the tax burden on citizens. The issue of the party leader was not discussed at the conference at all," she said.
G. Zandanshatar was supported 100% for Prime Minister
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: unuudur.mn
The Executive Council of the Mongolian People's Party (MPP) convened a meeting. During the meeting, G. Zandanshatar was supported 100% as the candidate for Prime Minister. Currently, the MPP's Extended Conference is starting at the Independence Palace. After the candidate for Prime Minister is introduced to the Extended Conference and receives support, he will be formally nominated to the State Great Khural. According to the law, by July 3rd, the new cabinet must be formed.
Internal Generational Struggle within MPP Prevents Appointment of New Prime Minister
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: itoim.mn
It has been a week since the coalition government led by L. Oyun-Erdene was officially dismissed, but the majority-holding Mongolian People's Party (MPP) has yet to appoint a new Prime Minister. The main reason is a generational struggle unfolding within the MPP, with those born in the 1970s uniting with ambitions to have one of their own appointed as Prime Minister. Among these figures are MPP General Secretary Ya. Sodbaatar, Presidential Office Chief G. Zandanshatar, Finance Minister B. Javkhlan, Food and Agriculture Minister J. Enkhbayar, and Defense Minister S. Byambatsogt, according to reports. On the other hand, Speaker of Parliament D. Amarbaysgalan is reportedly siding with acting Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene, and those born in the 1980s have formed their own faction. They are pushing for Member of Parliament G. Temuulen to be appointed as Prime Minister. Joining the 1980s cohort, National Coalition leader and MP N. Nomtoibayar is working against both the President and the 1970s group. Amid this generational struggle, the MPP has so far been unable to agree on a Prime Minister, stalling government affairs and rendering Mongolia's government legally incapacitated for a month. At the MPP's governing council meeting last Friday, no specific person was selected to be nominated for Prime Minister, and the meeting ended with the announcement of a party congress. Today, the governing council is scheduled to meet again at 9:00 am, with the party congress scheduled for 11:00 am. Reports indicate that four candidates for Prime Minister were discussed at the party congress last Friday, but agreement was not reached over the weekend either. The latest news suggests that Presidential Office Chief G. Zandanshatar is being considered as a nominee, but no full consensus has been reached. Meanwhile, the 1980s group is reportedly planning to nominate MP G. Temuulen directly from the General Assembly. Additionally, although the previous party congress decided it would be proper for the MPP to form a government on its own, sources say there have been discussions about forming a Grand Coalition Government that excludes the Democratic Party (AN), but includes the National Coalition, HUN, and IZN parties. Some sources also state that rather than naming a specific nominee for Prime Minister at either the governing council or party congress, the decision might be made at the General Assembly, where both a new party chairman and Prime Minister would be selected.
The MPP's Board Nominates G. Zandanshatar, Some Party Congress Delegates Nominate G. Temuulen for Prime Minister
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: isee.mn
At today's meeting of the Mongolian People's Party (MPP) Board, the President's Chief of Staff G. Zandanshatar was nominated for the position of Prime Minister. At the same time, the MPP Party Congress is in session and is currently discussing the nomination of G. Zandanshatar for Prime Minister. However, some delegates of the Party Congress have also nominated Member of Parliament G. Temuulen for the position of Prime Minister. The results of the vote will be announced soon.
A Word to the New Prime Minister
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: unuudur.mn
The marathon for the seat of the 35th Prime Minister of Mongolia is ongoing within the MPP. Even before the previous one was officially dismissed, more than 10 people have become de facto candidates in this race. Names such as Speaker of Parliament D. Amarbaysgalan, members G. Temuulen, S. Amarsaikhan, Cabinet Secretary N. Uchral, Finance Minister B. Javkhlan, Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry J. Enkhbayar, Defense Minister S. Byambatsogt, Chief of the President’s Office G. Zandanshatar, MPP’s General Secretary Ya. Sodbaatar, governance council member Ch. Khurelbaatar, and City Mayor Kh. Nyambaatar have all been highlighted in the media and social networks lately. Desire for the power of the Prime Minister’s office motivates these people to promote themselves and try to highlight their own strengths. While this stirs the public’s attention, the main decision rests with the MPP. The MPP’s board met last Friday and scheduled its party conference today, where the candidate for the next Prime Minister will be chosen. WHO IS THE MOST LIKELY?
Out of those 11 people, except N. Uchral and G. Temuulen who were born in the 1980s, the rest are from the 1970s. There is a narrative spreading that only the experienced ones from the 1970s can handle this responsible role and not the younger generation. This appears to be an attempt to undermine Uchral, who seems to be gaining support. When L. Oyun-Erdene was appointed Prime Minister in 2021, the public anticipated a new way of thinking and working from a young leader born in the 1980s, but sadly he did not fulfill those expectations. However, L. Oyun-Erdene does not represent the entire 1980s generation; people recognize that it is not the year of birth but the individual that matters. Among these candidates, there are few politicians with a clean reputation, who are ethical and accepted by the majority of people. Some, like Ch. Khurelbaatar, Ya. Sodbaatar, and Kh. Nyambaatar, have already told journalists they do not seek the Prime Minister’s position. But in the past, L. Oyun-Erdene, Kh. Nyambaatar, and others from the so-called ‘fair five’ made similar promises before assuming high positions. Politicians often forget what they say today by tomorrow. The next Prime Minister will be decided through the consensus of the inner party factions, headed by the now ex-Prime Minister but still party leader L. Oyun-Erdene, President U. Khurelsukh, and behind-the-scenes influencers. It is said that the President is supporting his Chief of Staff G. Zandanshatar, seen as the most likely. However, it is important to note that he, as Speaker, played a key role in passing the constitutional amendments that granted extended powers to the Prime Minister, which has led to turmoil, and he failed to secure a parliamentary seat himself—meaning the public did not trust him. Critics say appointing such a person would be unreasonable. L. Oyun-Erdene is pushing for his beloved cousin Kh. Nyambaatar. However, the public does not support appointing someone who has been unable to do much more for the city of Ulaanbaatar than pressure citizens with taxes and curbs. The public expectation and demand should certainly be noticed by MPP. Another candidate is the Parliament Speaker D. Amarbaysgalan, who, despite being unable to control parliament, is considered influential within the party and has the support of many conference members. He is a friend of L. Oyun-Erdene, but there are reports that Amarbaysgalan prefers to continue as Speaker rather than become Prime Minister. The public will not accept figures like S. Amarsaikhan, who, as city mayor, built fountains that don't work with billions of tugriks, or J. Enkhbayar, who moved ministries for his own business and created confusion. Nevertheless, it is rumored that MPP has already agreed on the next person after days of talk behind closed doors. There is also a possibility that a young member like G. Temuulen could be nominated from the floor, changing the entire plan. TO COOPERATE OR GO ALONE?
The general public is currently interested in whether MPP will form a government on its own or cooperate with other parties. On May 23, the party conference decided to hold the DP (Democratic Party) accountable, remove them from the coalition government, and govern alone. However, at last Friday’s meeting, 117 of the party’s 369 conference members signed a petition for forming a ‘National Unity Government.’ S. Nergui, a conference member, explained that putting state interests ahead of the party would make it correct, and otherwise, neither parliament nor attendance works. National Hero E. Bat-Uul also wrote on his social media that MPP had again asked DP to join the government, despite dismissing them days before, which, if true, would show a lack of shame on MPP’s part. Some DP ministers, like Ts. Tuvan, stated they are ready to cooperate again, so it is likely that there will be people from DP willing to trade reputation and belief for power and office. However, on the DP’s official social page, party leader L. Gantumur’s comment rejecting future coalition was posted. 32% of MPP’s conference members did not just mention forming a coalition government as a word to the new Prime Minister. In recent days, MPP has met with the National Coalition and the Civil Will-Green Party. While CWGP leader B. Batbaatar has stated they would not join government, it is rumored that MP M. Narantuya-Nara is eyeing a ministerial post. The country should not be short of ethical politicians like her, who has become a prime example of unethical conduct. Members from the HUN party, on the other hand, have indicated they prioritize power, leaving T. Dorjkhand just waiting for an official invitation. The National Coalition is also not opposed. However, if DP members in parliament act as a strong opposition, it would be beneficial for both them and the country. We've seen how democracy decays in a parliament without opposition over the past few years. If they again agree to partner with the party that expelled them, DP will disappear by 2028. THE PUBLIC'S DEMAND
The MPP should put national interests above factional ones and propose a candidate for executive leadership who is knowledgeable, educated, ethical, and accepted by the majority. If such a person is ‘found,’ they should heed citizens’ expectations, not repeat the former Prime Minister’s mistakes, and serve accordingly. First of all, the government should be formed with as few ministries and a compact structure as possible. This year’s state budget revenues have already fallen short by several billion. Winter will come unexpectedly. A serious accident occurred at Power Plant-3, creating risks for heating and electricity. Therefore, this is a time where a lean and skilled team is essential. There is no money or budget to create new offices and divide ‘cake.’ The public wants taxes and fees urgently reduced to match real-life conditions. The previous government severely oppressed citizens and overloaded them. I also wish that decisions would be based on research, calculation, and genuine engagement with citizens. Choosing the right team will prolong your government’s cycle. Accepting honest criticism, correcting mistakes, and improving your work is a principle of democratic society. Do not repeat the errors of L. Oyun-Erdene, who is about to be recorded in history as a Prime Minister who, cut off from real life, divided the people, organized protests, and perfected black PR. During N. Altankhuyag’s time, there was a weekly program called ‘Prime Minister’s 30 Minutes’ every Thursday, where the Prime Minister would directly answer questions through journalists. We have missed such openness and transparency in the past five years. Therefore, you must work openly and transparently. If you only participate in staged programs and interviews, broadcasting them on multiple channels in an attempt to brainwash, ‘resigning will always be easy.’ Until those in power can appoint ethical and competent people to high positions, the public may well take to the streets. Therefore, I ask the new Prime Minister to build a team of honest, ethical, and competent people, keep the doors and windows open, and work grounded in reality, rather than flattering yourself or believing you are ‘king’.
Economy
AFR: Mongolia Forces Rio Tinto to Make Major Changes to Oyu Tolgoi Underground Mine Engineering Plan
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: itoim.mn
Oyu Tolgoi, one of Rio Tinto’s most important copper projects, is now expected to progress more slowly and with lower profitability than anticipated. Due to a dispute with the Mongolian government, the company has been forced to make significant engineering changes to the project. Over the past eight months, Rio Tinto halted work extending the underground mine to the west, as the Mongolian government delayed permits for access to the area owned by Entrée Resources. Although Rio Tinto and Entrée were close to agreeing to include this area in the Oyu Tolgoi mine plan, the Mongolian government’s slow transfer of licenses forced Rio Tinto to implement an “alternative plan with lower returns.” As a result, Rio Tinto now aims to expand underground mining to the south, outside of Entrée’s land, and explained that this change is intended to minimize production and efficiency losses caused by the Mongolian government’s pressure. In a statement released Friday night, Rio Tinto group said: “Development in the Entrée joint venture area has been suspended until the Mongolian government confirms the license transfer from Entrée to Oyu Tolgoi LLC.” The company has not publicly disclosed its estimates for copper output or overall project value loss; however, Oyu Tolgoi LLC affirmed it still targets annual production of 500,000 tonnes of copper on average from 2028 to 2036. Cathy Jackson, Rio Tinto’s Copper Business Development Director, stated: “Transferring the license for the Entrée joint venture area would maximize Oyu Tolgoi’s value for all stakeholders. We are working with the Government of Mongolia and Entrée Resources to resolve this matter.” This change to the Oyu Tolgoi mine plan is the latest in a series of difficult interactions between Rio Tinto and the Mongolian government. The mine is a strategic project, accounting for around 30% of Mongolia’s gross domestic product. The General Taxation Department, which authorizes the amount of tax applicable to the license transfer, is reportedly delaying the process amid political instability in Mongolia. Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene resigned after failing to win a vote of confidence last Tuesday. Entrée Resources CEO Stephen Scott said on Friday: “The changes to the underground mining plan announced Friday will have a negative economic impact on the people of Mongolia and all stakeholders in the Oyu Tolgoi project. Our priority is to minimize these negative impacts.” After the news of the mining plan change was made public, Entrée shares on the Canadian stock market fell by 9%. For the past eight months, Rio Tinto had been drilling tunnels into the Entrée area to prepare for extracting high-grade ore. According to the mine plan published in 2023, the first “deep section blast point” in the Entrée area was scheduled for 2026, which is considered a critical milestone in the start of underground mining. Ore extracted from Entrée’s area was planned to be processed at the Oyu Tolgoi concentrator from 2027, but the start date is now uncertain. Furthermore, Entrée Resources has repeatedly requested that 34% ownership be transferred to the Mongolian government. Additionally, Rio Tinto and the Mongolian government are locked in a US$438 million tax dispute at an arbitration court, and the government has filed a claim in the UK High Court alleging Rio Tinto engaged in political corruption over ten years ago.
Mongolia Millennium Challenge Account Invitation for Price Quotations
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: news.mn
Contract for the supply of printing paper and archiving stationery
Contract number: MCA-M/Proc/113
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
The Government of Mongolia (hereinafter referred to as the "Government") and the United States Millennium Challenge Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "MCC") signed the Millennium Challenge Compact Agreement worth USD 350 million in non-reimbursable aid on July 27, 2018, with the goal of reducing poverty by supporting economic growth. The Government, through the Millennium Challenge Account – Mongolia (hereinafter referred to as "MCA-Mongolia"), will use a specific part of the MCC's aid to finance this agreement. When disbursing the funds associated with this agreement, MCA-Mongolia will fully comply with the restrictions and requirements for using and expending the Compact funds specified in the Compact and its related documents. Entities other than the Government and MCA-Mongolia do not have the right to exercise the privileges granted by the Compact agreement or to use funding from the Compact investment. Details on the Compact and related documentation can be found at the MCC's website (www.mcc.gov) and the MCA-Mongolia website (https://mca-mongolia.gov.mn/). MCA-Mongolia hereby invites eligible legal entities to submit price quotations for the supply of printing paper and archiving stationery products. Detailed information and technical specifications are provided in the Request for Quotation (RFQ) documents. This procurement will be conducted in accordance with the Comparative Method described in the MCC’s Procurement Policy and Guidelines available on the MCC’s website, and the RFQ documents are open to any eligible entity. Companies interested in participating in the tender should register by sending an email titled “Printing Paper and Archiving Stationery,” clearly stating the company name and contact information, directly to PA-Mongolia@charleskendall.com, with a copy to procurement@mca-mongolia.gov.mn. Once registered, companies will receive an electronic link to download the RFQ documents. Any questions or clarifications regarding this tender should be sent by email to PA-Mongolia@charleskendall.com, with a copy to procurement@mca-mongolia.gov.mn, no later than 14:00 (Ulaanbaatar time) on June 12, 2025. Answers to the questions and clarifications will be provided to registered companies requesting the RFQ documents by 17:00 on June 13, 2025. Price quotations must be submitted as specified in the RFQ documents via the indicated electronic link by 15:00 (Ulaanbaatar time) on June 18, 2025. Quotations will be accepted only via the provided electronic link; submissions by email or in printed form will not be accepted. Late submissions will be rejected. MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE ACCOUNT - MONGOLIA
China Requests Special Attention to Tugrik Exchange Rate in Cross-Border Railway Contract
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn
The signing ceremony for the agreement on the construction of the cross-border railway connection at the Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod port between Mongolia and China was held today. Representatives from the governments and relevant authorities of both countries attended the event. The Chinese company participating in this project is technologically advanced and has significant production experience. It is expected that Mongolia’s relevant ministries and agencies will issue all permits necessary for the project’s construction to proceed smoothly. Chinese ambassador to Mongolia, Shen Minjuan, emphasized that there should be confidence in the cooperation between Mongolia and China. Due to losses incurred as a result of the depreciation of Mongolia’s tugrik, the Chinese side has required special attention to exchange rate risk when signing the contract. Meanwhile, the Mongolian side has stipulated that at least 30% of the work must be carried out by Mongolian companies. Mongolia has signed a contract to supply 247 million tons of coal to China Energy over a period of 16 years, with the price calculated according to the market rate at the time of delivery. Minister of Road and Transport B. Delgersaikhan stated: "Both sides have made a mutually beneficial agreement. Neither party gets preferential treatment. If coal prices rise, the sale price increases; if it falls, the price drops. If we don’t sell our coal to our southern neighbor, it will just become ashes in a few years. In the future, there will be no foreign country willing to invest in coal power plants. Also, this contract will be upheld even if the government changes, ensuring continuity. If the second cross-border railway, being constructed after 70 years, is torn down, it will only harm Mongolia’s economy." Warning: Media organizations (TV, radio, social and web pages) are prohibited from fully or partially using this information in any form, except through agreement and by specifying the original source (ikon.mn).
FRC: Meeting with International Monetary Fund Representatives
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: unuudur.mn
Today, T. Jambaajamts, Chairman of the Financial Regulatory Commission, met with the working group of the International Monetary Fund responsible for Mongolia. At the beginning of the meeting, Chairman T. Jambaajamts briefly shared notable actions taken to strengthen the financial sector and ensure its stability, and delivered an overview of the current state of the financial sector. Following this, the two parties exchanged views on Mongolia’s economy, in particular the state of the capital market, policies and regulatory measures implemented to develop products and services provided by non-bank financial institutions, and addressed pressing issues in these areas. Specifically, they discussed key actions taken by the Financial Regulatory Commission to develop the capital market and align its regulatory environment with international standards, efforts to limit the growth of non-performing loans in non-bank financial institutions, the status of loan debt, the ratio of loan debt to income, and ongoing concerns and priorities in these matters. From the IMF side, Tahsin Saadi Sedik, head of the working group responsible for Mongolia, Tigran Pokhossian, the resident representative for Mongolia, senior economist Yi Wei, and other related officials are currently in Mongolia. This annual meeting of the working group, conducted in each member country, will produce a report with policy recommendations to be introduced.
B.Delgersaikhan: There is no special privilege given to 'China Energy'. The two sides have made a mutually beneficial agreement
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: itoim.mn
Today at the Ministry of Road and Transport Development, a signing ceremony was held for the "Agreement on the Construction of the Cross-Border Railway at Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod Port" between enterprises. The China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) was selected as the contractor for the construction of the cross-border railway at the Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod border port, with its subsidiary, the China Railway Bridge Engineering Group, set to carry out the construction work. Regarding this, the Minister of Road and Transport, B.Delgersaikhan, answered questions from journalists. - How long will the Chinese side take to complete the construction?
- After a long period and after many people worked tirelessly day and night, this contract was finalized. The government’s procurement agency announced a purchase price of 848 billion tugriks. Although we are concluding the agreement at the tender price, the Chinese side has made some demands. Specifically, they stated that they are experiencing losses due to the depreciation of the tugrik. For example, when the tender started, the yuan was 460, but today it is 480. Because of this, they expect a loss of 17 billion. Additionally, wages, technology, and all kinds of prices have increased. For instance, due to trade restrictions, prices have gone up, as mentioned in official letters sent to us more than once. Therefore, we have reviewed this and presented it to the government meeting. On our side, we require that at least 30% of the work during implementation be carried out by Mongolian companies. This will somewhat protect us from the currency depreciation loss. We are also pushing for the work to be completed as quickly as possible. The Chinese side has agreed to finish the project in 22 months. If currency and other issues are resolved, work will commence immediately. - It is rumored that the Bagakhangai-Khushig Valley railway construction is related to you. What is your position?
- The Bagakhangai-Khushig Valley railway is related to the Ministry of Road and Transport, not to me personally. Three years ago, when proposals were made to reroute the railway through Ulaanbaatar and connect it, the Russian side declined, stating the project was too expensive. Three months ago, the proposal was to make the Bagakhangai-Khushig Valley railway a branch line. They thought that moving these logistics terminals out of Ulaanbaatar would reduce traffic congestion. Consequently, the 102 km double-station, three-passing siding railway planned for 230 million USD or 840 billion tugriks, would be built from Mongolian Railway’s own revenue without burdening the budget. The work is to be completed in 4-5 months. Freight congestion in Ulaanbaatar will substantially decrease. As for connecting to the northern neighbor, we will discuss this again. - You often say that Mongolia Railway and Tavantolgoi Railway should merge. Are there any vested interests behind this?
- The establishment of Mongolia Railway originally gave Mongolia an independent railway for the first time. Its first asset was a 28 km railway, as you may know. Later there was the 416 km railway between Zuunbayan-Tavantolgoi-Tsogttsetsii. Then, with the construction of the 230 km Gantsmod-Gashuunsukhait railway, the company Tavantolgoi Railway was created to operate this line. Running two state-owned railway companies simultaneously was deemed inefficient, so a government resolution merged them. The merger does not mean Tavantolgoi Railway was dissolved; rather, all its infrastructure, rolling stock, and personnel were transferred to Mongolia Railway, but it was not liquidated. Tavantolgoi Railway has become a project company to oversee and connect the Gantsmod-Gashuunsukhait railway work. - It is said that bartering 350 million tons of coal is happening. Can you elaborate?
- We signed a 16-year agreement with 'China Energy.' There are various rumors online about this. The agreement is a comprehensive package. The railway connection agreement was made by the Ministry of Road and Transport and Mongolia Railway. Under this agreement, China Energy will be supplied with 247 million tons of coal. However, the price will vary each quarter depending on market prices. That does not mean it is fixed at USD 70 per ton. We had many rounds of negotiations with the southern neighbor before reaching this deal. Today, Mongolia is building its own power plant with its own money. - What is the agreed coal price with China Energy?
- We negotiated with China Energy for over a year. Before that, talks went on for three years without any agreement. We signed a mutually beneficial contract. I want to officially state that no privileges were given to any party. Several Chinese companies aside from China Energy have been buying coal from Mongolia at discounted prices; they only asked for a concession similar to those. The talk about selling at USD 70 per ton for 16 years is pure misinformation. China is a very large country; we are not in a position to dictate to them. The price will fluctuate with global coal prices. Both coking and thermal coal will be exported. - There are issues about 3,000 wagons linked to your name?
- There was a mutual concession agreement for the Khangi-Mandal railway. The company linked to me completed the 230 km railway in 8 months. The newly acquired 3,000 wagons are exclusively for iron ore and cannot be used for anything else. Currently, 15,000 wagons are working for Mongolia Railway under lease. Due to congestion, some wagons could not operate. I issued an order to withdraw outdated and high-wear wagons, which some companies opposed. The Ulaanbaatar Railway company is not a scrapyard for iron. Therefore, if Mongolian companies bring in new wagons, we will allow them directly. As for foreign companies, bringing in new or used wagons will not be permitted, as per new orders and decisions. When it was announced that Ulaanbaatar Railway had no wagons, leasing wagons came in, causing Mongolia’s currency to flow out. This was stopped. I ordered old leased wagons nearing the end of their service life to be removed, so no one was specifically disadvantaged. - Today, the appointment of the new Prime Minister is being discussed. In such political conditions, will this border connection work continue?
- The Chinese Ambassador is sensitive about this matter. Even if Mongolia’s government changes, the state’s continuity means these initiated works must not stop. We are carrying out the second cross-border railway connection after 70 years. Political instability has negative consequences. I am confident that Mongolian state tradition and continuity will ensure the work continues.
U.Baatar: We Are Inviting Private Companies to Bring 41 Hectares in 26 Areas of the Selbe Project Into Economic Circulation
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn
Proposals to partner with private sectors have begun for the projects of the "Selbe 20-Minute City." In this regard, U.Baatar, CEO of Selbe 20-Minute City Corporation LLC, stated, "For the first time, Ulaanbaatar city is freeing up 158 hectares of land to establish an independent urban subcenter. In addition to residential complexes, the Selbe subcenter is planned to include schools, kindergartens, government service centers, sports complexes, commercial centers, and a national circus building. Approximately 18 km of roads, 43 km of pedestrian paths, and 28 km of cycling paths will be constructed. 40% of the total area, or 50 hectares, will be dedicated to green spaces. The Selbe project offers commercially attractive locations to the private sector, and from today, the website selbecity.mn is open. Invitations can be seen on the website. We are now accepting proposals from private entities to cooperate in bringing 41 hectares in 26 locations of the project into economic turnover. Organizations can submit partnership applications via the website. Out of the 41 hectares, a master plan for 26 hectares has been approved, and engineering infrastructure designs have been completed; all work will commence this year. We invite developers, real estate investors, and all organizations operating in the service market to participate," he said. The procedure for cooperation is currently being developed and proposals from private companies will be accepted within 10 days. Notice: Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social and Web pages) are prohibited from fully or partially using our information in any form, except by agreement and only by citing the source (ikon.mn).
Reserve Meat is Being Sold at Discounted Prices at 38 Locations in 8 Districts
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: unuudur.mn
Reserve meat is being sold at discounted prices at 38 locations in 8 districts. Through the expanded sale, mutton is being sold whole at 10,000 MNT per kilogram and beef at 13,000 MNT per kilogram. The schedule for the expanded sale of reserve meat, which will run until June 13, 2025, is presented here.
Stephen Scott, CEO of Entree LLC: I have repeatedly offered the Mongolian Government their 34% share. No one has responded.
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: itoim.mn
We interviewed Stephen Scott, CEO of Entree LLC, during his short visit to Mongolia. Our conversation focused on the recent licensing issues related to the Oyu Tolgoi project. - To begin, could you briefly introduce Entree LLC, when it started operations in Mongolia, and how it became involved with Oyu Tolgoi? Entree LLC has been continuously operating in Mongolia since 2002, before Oyu Tolgoi began its operations. Entree Resources is a publicly traded company registered in Canada, also legally operating in the USA. Our main office is in Vancouver, with a representative office in Ulaanbaatar. In Mongolia, Entree Resources operates under the name Entree LLC. Based on a joint operation agreement with Oyu Tolgoi LLC, Entree LLC received two special licenses. To elaborate, a specific portion of the minerals to be mined under the Oyu Tolgoi project falls within the areas controlled by these two licenses held by Entree LLC: Shivee Tolgoi and Javkhlant. The Shivee Tolgoi license area pertains to Lift 1, or the first underground level of Oyu Tolgoi, while Javkhlant pertains to the Heruga area. Since these two license areas are related to the activities of the Oyu Tolgoi project, a mutual agreement in operation was reached. Besides these two plots, Entree LLC has conducted exploration in many other areas, investing $40 million in exploration since 2003. However, I will only discuss the two licenses connected to Oyu Tolgoi to avoid confusion. - There is talk that 80% of the area covered by these two licenses (Shivee Tolgoi, Javkhlant) is owned by Oyu Tolgoi and 20% by Entree. Who made this division? In 2004, we entered into a formal legal agreement with Ivanhoe Mines, which was conducting exploration at Oyu Tolgoi. Through this, we allocated interests in the part of the Oyu Tolgoi deposit that overlaps our company’s licensed areas. Under this agreement, the current Oyu Tolgoi LLC and Entree LLC each determined their boundaries. This was formalized in 2008, allocating 80% of the joint operation rights to Oyu Tolgoi and the remaining 20% to Entree. Thus, 80% of the total mineral resource in these two areas belong to Oyu Tolgoi LLC, and 20% to Entree LLC. Today, everyone knows that 66% of Oyu Tolgoi LLC is owned by Rio Tinto Group, and 34% by the Government of Mongolia through Erdenes Oyu Tolgoi LLC. Let me clarify three points to resolve some misunderstandings about our business relationship. There is unfounded information circulating that Entree controls 30% of the Oyu Tolgoi project. Based on the joint operation rights distribution, Entree only has 20%, Oyu Tolgoi has 80%. Of Oyu Tolgoi’s 80%, 34% belongs to the Mongolian Government and 66% to Rio Tinto. To understand the value differences between Oyu Tolgoi’s and Entree’s resources, a clear grasp of economic viability and category of mineral resources is needed. Under the agreement for joint operation in the Javkhlant area, 82.7% of the total mineral resource is present. Based on the results of 20 drill holes before 2012, the mineral category of the Javkhlant area is "C" grade, with an average grade of 0.39%. In contrast, the Shivee Tolgoi licensed area is classified as "B" grade, with an average grade of 2.01%. Upgrading from category C to B requires many years of drilling and geological exploration. Only after this can a feasibility study be prepared if it is economically viable. Currently, there are no additional drilling plans for the Javkhlant area, neither on our nor Oyu Tolgoi’s side. Javkhlant’s minerals are considered economically nonviable at this time. 17% of the joint operation agreement is linked to the Shivee Tolgoi area. According to current mining plans, 14% of Shivee Tolgoi’s reserves will be extracted from Lift 1, or the first layer, between 2025 and 2040. Extraction from Lift 2, or the second layer, is preliminarily planned for 2039–2059. The most economically profitable part of the first layer that is about to start is the Northern Hugo extension in Shivee Tolgoi, set to begin extraction in 2025. Out of the ore from the first layer, 5.5% is from Entree’s licensed area. From 2025 to 2040, 100% of the mineral resources extracted from Northern Hugo will come from Oyu Tolgoi’s licensed area. Looking at total mineral extraction until 2039 as 100%, only 1.1% is attributable to Entree. For the joint operation site, 10% of the resources, and 2.1% of Lift 2’s resources belong to Entree. Yet some say this is 30%. - So, from 2025 to 2035, 5.5% of total ore extracted from Oyu Tolgoi’s underground mine will be from Entree's licensed area, and Entree will benefit from 1.1% of it? Correct. Applying the 80/20 split for the first layer, Oyu Tolgoi will benefit from 98.9% of the total minerals, of which 34% will go to the Mongolian Government. Entree gets 1.1%. For the second layer, 96.9% of all minerals belong to Oyu Tolgoi, 2.1% to Entree. The minerals in Javkhlant are currently not economically viable. If, in the future, extracting from this area is profitable, 80% of the revenue goes to Oyu Tolgoi and 34% of that to the Mongolian Government. In 20 drill holes at Javkhlant, 1.4 billion tons of low-grade ore were found. Shivee Tolgoi has less than 300 million tons. Therefore, the Javkhlant section is not included in Oyu Tolgoi’s mining plans. Investors know and have explained this. The last drilling was done in 2012, but the results were not promising. - If Javkhlant is not economically viable, why doesn’t Entree transfer or sell its exploitation license? You should ask this question to Oyu Tolgoi LLC, as they control most of the related minerals. Currently, Oyu Tolgoi LLC prioritizes mining from high-grade ore and may move northwards later. Future technological advances may lower costs and make mining at Javkhlant profitable. Currently, Oyu Tolgoi LLC has made no claim to profitable mining there, nor have they shared anything with us. We have heavily invested in infrastructure at Hugo North, which can also be used in the north in the future. This is why we are not relinquishing our license. Mining here is technically expensive, but since we have established basic infrastructure, we only need to make additional investments for Heruga. - What do you mean by infrastructure? Is Entree participating in the development of the underground mine? We built supporting infrastructure at the processing plant and tailings facility. The dewatering system can also be used at Heruga. We can reuse employee housing and trained staff. Reusing all existing electrical lines is also possible. If we cannot reuse this infrastructure, extracting from Heruga would cost twice as much. - Is the agreement between Entree and Oyu Tolgoi an international contract, or does it fall under the Investment Agreement? The agreement between Entree and Oyu Tolgoi LLC to share interests is a contract between two business entities, not an Investment Agreement. Legally, an Investment Agreement is a state-to-foreign-entity contract. - Parliament Member O. Batnayamdal noted that the Arbitration Court ordered the transfer of Entree's two special licenses to Oyu Tolgoi LLC and that Oyu Tolgoi LLC must pay the necessary taxes and fees, following Mongolian laws. What process does this entail? Yes, the two licenses under our control must be transferred to Oyu Tolgoi. This entire process should follow Mongolian laws and regulations. Firstly, Oyu Tolgoi and Entree are two business entities with a contract. The main principle in that contract is that the legal entity holding the majority of the special license rights should be the registered owner. In essence, the arbitration decision is to implement the agreement between Entree and Oyu Tolgoi. Oyu Tolgoi will conduct extraction in Entree’s registered area, but our 20% ownership will remain. Only the site will be registered under Oyu Tolgoi LLC, granting them the right to 100% extraction, while Entree retains its 20% share. We are transferring this because it is provided for in the Investment Agreement. - Of the resources covered by these two licenses, 20% belong to Entree LLC, while 34% of Oyu Tolgoi’s 80% share is owned by the Mongolian Government. So, shouldn’t the Mongolian Government also own 34% of Entree’s share? Some claim Entree is unwilling to give 34% of its 20% to the Mongolian Government. I unequivocally state that this is false. Entree LLC has repeatedly offered the transfer of its 34% economic interest to the Mongolian Government. All our reports, which are publicly available, state that we are ready and eager to send the Government its 34% share. In 2023, we met with government representatives and discussed the transfer. However, not a single official responded. I visit Mongolia 3–4 times per year, and last November, I met with government officials. Earlier this year, I spoke with N. Uchral, the Chief of Cabinet Secretariat, and met Minister Ts. Tuvaan and Erdenes Oyu Tolgoi management. At all meetings, I've raised this 34% subject. Recently, I again requested meetings with N. Uchral and Ts. Tuvaan. Last Friday (2025.05.30), we officially submitted a letter to Minister N. Uchral requesting resolution of the 34% issue. The government can have any opinion, but the most important thing is that they communicate it to us, which has not happened. Minister Ts. Tuvaan publicly stated on X two months ago that Entree is repeatedly offering its 34% share. So, I believe both the Parliament and the Cabinet are aware of our intention. Besides the 34% offer, we have made other proposals, such as receiving the first income flow from our 20% share in 2032. We plan to pay the value of our 20% share of profits accordingly. For example, if $100 is to be transferred, $66 would go directly, and $34 would be remitted to Erdenes Oyu Tolgoi, the Government’s representative. We propose the Government receive its share directly, without us acting as an intermediary. Further, unlike Oyu Tolgoi, we would not impose any participation fee or interest on the government’s 34%. We see this as a more forward-thinking and beneficial decision for the Mongolian people. Unlike Oyu Tolgoi, we do not require the Government to invest, take loans, or pay interest for the 34%. - Does Entree finance its 20% share of costs independently? Yes, 20% of all costs fall upon Entree, 80% on Oyu Tolgoi. The Mongolian Government must fund 34% of Oyu Tolgoi’s 80% share, which is why it has entered a loan agreement. Entree’s share mainly covers mining phase costs—labor, fuel, electricity, etc. Entree does not invest everything up front; rather, investment occurs gradually, alongside production stages. Oyu Tolgoi, holding 80%, is responsible for major infrastructure development. - Once production starts from the first layer and revenue is generated, how will operations work? You mentioned a proposal to start income distribution from 2032. How was this calculated? Entree’s estimated cost of cooperating with Oyu Tolgoi is $55 million, projected to be spent from 2025 to 2028, if the license transfer happens. Revenue would begin from 2028, with investment recovery and profit commencement from 2029, leading to stable income from 2032. Of course, market conditions for metals may shift this timeline. Oyu Tolgoi LLC’s board has recently decided to suspend mining development into the Shivee Tolgoi area. In other words, underground mining is currently at the boundary of Shivee Tolgoi, and no work will continue in that area until the license transfer is complete. - What is the primary purpose of your current visit to Mongolia? To finalize the full license transfer to Oyu Tolgoi LLC? First, to transfer Entree LLC’s 34% to the Mongolian Government. Second, to transfer the licenses to Oyu Tolgoi LLC. As these transfers were provided for in the contract, no further negotiation is needed—we are not discussing anything new. The intention to transfer was already established in 2008. In 2009, the Investment Agreement between the Mongolian Government and Oyu Tolgoi LLC included five licenses applicable to the Oyu Tolgoi project, with the agreement between Entree and Oyu Tolgoi also mentioned, mandating transfer of all licenses to Oyu Tolgoi LLC. Article 3.1 of the Investment Agreement defines the investor as owning all licenses. At that time, Ivanhoe Mines was the investor, but now it is Oyu Tolgoi LLC. This has not been done secretly. The 2008 agreement between Entree and Oyu Tolgoi on division of interests is well-known. The Arbitration Court made its decision strictly on the contractual provisions between the two entities. There is nothing secret from the Government. Last week, the Oyu Tolgoi LLC board decided to halt underground mining into Shivee Tolgoi’s area. Until the license is transferred, no activity will occur there, and operational plans have shifted accordingly. This benefits no one. - If Entree and Oyu Tolgoi have already agreed on license transfer, why must mining operations be halted? According to the law, Oyu Tolgoi LLC cannot conduct operations in an area whose license has not yet been transferred. The transfer is an administrative procedure, primarily one of registration. The Mongolian Tax Authority must determine the tax due for the license transfer to Oyu Tolgoi. Once Entree and Oyu Tolgoi submit their request, the Tax Office checks the calculation and, after approval, the process continues with the Mineral Resources Authority to change license registration. All this should take 30 days. Entree and Oyu Tolgoi submitted their request on February 11, 2025, but have not received a reply for four months. We have inquired, but there is still no response. Once taxes are paid, the process moves forward. - It is claimed that one of the shareholders of Entree LLC is Rio Tinto Group, as is the principal shareholder of Oyu Tolgoi LLC. So, isn’t this just an internal transfer, misleading the Mongolian government and public? I will not comment on what the member of Parliament has said. - How much tax and fees has Entree LLC paid to Mongolia? We have paid $12 million in license fees to this day. Additionally, as part of our social responsibility for 2024-2025, we are providing full scholarships to over 40 students in mining, geology, engineering, and environmental fields. Entree LLC is not subject to any special tax regime. We pay corporate income tax like anyone else—15% withholding tax on profit—and also pay our taxes in Canada. - Thank you for the interview.
JCDecaux Mongolia LLC: Invitation to Tender
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn
JCDecaux Mongolia LLC invites interested and qualified parties to participate in a sealed tender for the assembly and installation of "Bus Stop Structures and Street Information Structures in Ulaanbaatar City." Tender participants must meet the following financial and experience requirements, including: - Detailed company profile - Copy of construction and roadworks special permits - Financial statement for 2024 - Copy of company state registration and VAT payer certificate - Workforce and experience Position / Number of people / Specialization
1. Engineer / 1 / Civil or road engineer
2. Electrical engineer / 1 / Electrical engineer
3. Occupational safety and health worker / 1 / Must have attended OSH (Occupational Safety and Health) training and obtained a certificate
4. Technical staff / 4 / Copy of labor contract Engineering and electrical engineering graduates should submit copies of their diploma, professional license, certificate, and national ID. OSH personnel must submit a copy of their certificate. Essential required equipment and machinery: Equipment / Unit / Capacity / Quantity
1. Truck crane / tons / 5 / 1
2. Truck / tons / 5 / 1
3. Labor safety equipment / Set / 1
4. Other required equipment (e.g., soil compactors, etc.) Attach a copy of the vehicle registration certificate, digital copy of the inspection certificate, and confirmation for labor safety equipment. For example, a document confirming a labor safety inspection for ladders. Related images, approved labor safety procedures, rules, manuals, and other required documents must be attached. Is a special permit required: Relevant special permits are required for construction and roadworks, as well as urban improvement works within city limits. Tender documents must be submitted to the address below by 17:00 on June 23, 2025. Late or unsealed submissions will not be accepted. Interested parties may obtain the tender materials and further information at the following address:
JCDecaux Mongolia LLC, Sukhbaatar District, 1st khoroo, Peace Avenue 17, Blue Sky Tower, Office 407.
Tel: 7007-7707, 9990-2257, 9990-7543 Additional Information:
- Submitted materials will not be returned.
- The company is not obliged to provide an explanation to parties not selected in the tender.
- The technical specifications and requirements for the assembly work will be provided to the participants. Notice:
Media organizations (TV, Radio, Social and Websites) are strictly prohibited from using our information, either in full or in part, in any form unless agreed upon, and must credit the original source (ikon.mn) if used.
0.15 Thousand Tons of Combed Goat Cashmere Exported
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn
According to the General Customs Administration, in the first five months of this year, Mongolia exported goods and raw materials worth 5,424.6 million US dollars. This is a decrease of 14.5 percent compared to the same period last year. Of the total export value, mineral products accounted for 4,834.5 million US dollars or 89.1 percent; pearls, precious and semi-precious stones, precious metals, jewelry, and coins made up 334.3 million US dollars or 6.2 percent; and basic iron and steel products made up 68.6 million US dollars or 1.3 percent. Together, these categories constituted 96.5 percent of total exports. During this period, 0.15 thousand tons of combed goat cashmere and 3.40 tons of gold were exported.
Net Profit of Insurance Companies Reaches 146 Billion Tugriks
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn
There are 23 types of general and long-term insurance. Among these, "drivers' liability insurance" is mandatory. The total premiums for mandatory drivers' liability insurance reached 12.6 billion tugriks in the first quarter of 2025, which is an increase of 8.6% compared to the same period in 2024. This accounted for 11.7% of total insurance premiums. Intermediaries collected premiums for insurance and reinsurance totaling 37.6 billion tugriks. Their commission income grew from 5.9 billion in the same period of 2024 to 7 billion tugriks. Claim assessment companies assessed 11,633 claims amounting to 21.3 billion tugriks in the first quarter. The total claim assessment income reached 3.6 billion tugriks, which is a decrease of 1.3% compared to the same period in 2024. The rest of the insurance types are voluntary. The total assets of insurance companies in the first quarter reached 675.6 billion tugriks, an increase of 16% compared to the same period in 2024, and an increase of 68.4% compared to the same period in 2021. The assets of general insurance companies reached 591.1 billion tugriks, accounting for 87.5% of the industry's total assets, an increase of 19% compared to the same period in 2024. The assets of long-term insurance companies reached 18.3 billion tugriks, making up 2.7% of the sector, a rise of 6.4% compared to 2024. The assets of reinsurance companies amounted to 66.2 billion tugriks, representing 9.8% of the industry’s total assets, which is a decrease of 3.2% compared to 2024. Looking at the total asset structure: 412.4 billion tugriks (61%) are investments, 183.5 billion (27%) are other assets, 57.4 billion (8.5%) are tangible and intangible assets (net), and 22.3 billion (3.3%) are cash and equivalents. By share of total assets, three insurance companies each account for over 9%, five companies for 6-9%, several for 3-6%, and eight companies for less than 3%. In terms of asset growth: three companies rose over 30%, one company 20-30%, four companies 10-20%, and three companies grew by less than 10%. Two companies saw a decrease in assets. General and long-term insurance companies collected a total of 108 billion tugriks in premiums. Of this, general insurance companies accounted for 106.2 billion and long-term insurance companies 1.9 billion tugriks. Reinsurance premiums collected reached 26.1 billion tugriks, with domestic reinsurers collecting 2 billion tugriks. Compared to the same period of 2024, total premium income in the first quarter increased by 2%, and compared to 2021, it increased 1.8 times. Insurance companies' compensation expenses reached 49.1 billion tugriks, a rise of 37.3% compared to 2024 and tripled compared to the same period in 2021. Of the total compensation expenses, 48 billion tugriks or 97.6% were paid by general insurance companies. Reinsurers' compensation payments increased 3.7 times compared to 2024, reaching 11 billion tugriks. In the first quarter of this year, the insurance sector's reserve fund reached 320.3 billion tugriks. The reserve fund of general insurance companies increased by 19% compared to last year to 285.6 billion tugriks; the long-term insurance companies' reserves increased by 57.7% to 5.3 billion tugriks; and reinsurance companies’ reserves reached 29.4 billion tugriks. Compared to the same period in 2021, the sector's equity has grown by 43.1% and by 13.9% compared to 2024, reaching 276.6 billion tugriks. Of this, 83.3% is held by general insurance companies, 4.4% by long-term insurance, and 12.3% by reinsurance companies. The net profit of insurance companies reached 146 billion tugriks, an increase of 73.4% compared to 2024 and 10.5% compared to the same period in 2021. Breaking down post-tax profits by company: 11 companies saw reduced profit, 2 companies had up to 50% growth, 1 company grew 50-100%, and 5 companies grew more than 100%. Companies paid a total of 5.7 billion tugriks to the state budget: 3.4 billion in social insurance contributions, 1.4 billion in corporate income tax, and 0.9 billion in personal income tax. In the first quarter of 2025, under licenses issued by the Financial Regulatory Commission, there were 349 general and long-term insurance companies, intermediaries, claim assessors, audit companies, and 2,622 insurance representatives operating. Specifically: - General insurance companies: 17 - Long-term insurance companies: 2 - Reinsurance company: 1 - Insurance intermediary companies: 62 - Claim assessment companies: 29 - Insurance representatives: 2,622 - Audit companies: 47 - Auditors: 151
Diplomacy
KHUVSGUL: Memorandum Signed for Direct Flight from Jeonju, South Korea to Murun in Khuvsgul
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn
The first direct international flight from Jeonju city, South Korea, to Murun, the provincial center of Khuvsgul aimag, will commence on July 29. A memorandum of cooperation regarding the establishment of this direct international flight was signed by L. Tumurbaatar, Governor of Khuvsgul aimag, and D. Ulziisaikhan, Director of Chandmani Travel Company. The purpose of this memorandum is to increase the movement of citizens between the two countries, expand cooperation in tourism and economic sectors, and support regional development. The parties have agreed to collaborate on establishing the conditions necessary for direct international flights. This historic flight holds significant importance as a real contribution to the development of the tourism sector in our country. Additionally, D. Ulziisaikhan, Director of Chandmani Travel Company, stated that the primary goal is to increase the flow of tourists coming to Mongolia and to quickly deliver them to their desired travel destinations within a short period.
Infrastructure
Contract for the Construction of the Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod Port Finalized
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: news.mn
Today at the Ministry of Road and Transport Development, a signing ceremony was held for the contract between enterprises for the “Construction of the Cross-Border Railway at Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod Port.” The ceremony was attended by B. Delgersaikhan, the Minister of Road and Transport Development and a member of the Government of Mongolia; Kh. Itgelt, Head of the Railway and Maritime Transport Policy Coordination Department of the ministry; B. Dugerkjav, CEO of Tavantolgoi Railway LLC; and other relevant officials. From the Chinese side, participants included Shen Minzhuan, Ambassador to Mongolia; Liu Jingzhi, Counselor of the Economic and Trade Department of the Embassy; Cao Yue, Secretary of the Economic and Trade Department; Li Guoqiang, Deputy General Manager of the China Railway Construction Bridge Engineering Group LLC; and Xie Xiaoche, General Manager of China Railway Construction Bridge Engineering Group International LLC. As part of the 2024–2028 action program of the Government of Mongolia, the Gashuunsukhait–Gantsmod cross-border railway project is ranked first among 14 mega projects. Within this framework, a cooperation agreement between the governments of Mongolia and China was signed on February 14, 2025, in Harbin, China, and later ratified by the Parliament of Mongolia on March 27, 2025. According to this agreement, and under the "comprehensive cooperation of three," the parties agreed to implement three main activities: "joint construction of the cross-border railway," “long-term coal purchase and sale contracts,” and “increasing coal mine capacity.” The Ministry of Road and Transport Development concluded and signed the joint railway construction agreement with the Chinese side on May 14, 2025, and jointly organized the groundbreaking ceremony for the project. This milestone marks only the second time in 70 years since 1955 that Mongolia and China are connecting a border crossing by railway. The Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod cross-border railway will have a total length of 32.6 km, be of first class, with dual gauge: 1520 mm broad gauge and 1435 mm standard gauge. Of this, the main railway will be 19.5 km with single and dual railway bridge structures between 8 to 31 meters high. The line will be capable of transporting 30 million tons per year on broad gauge and 10 million tons per year on standard gauge. The total estimated project cost is 902 billion MNT, and financing responsibility was determined by the Parliament's 2023 resolution for Erdenes Tavantolgoi JSC. The 902 billion MNT estimate, developed from detailed designs in 2023 and the 2024 budget, is expected to increase due to rising costs for fuel, electricity, raw materials, and wages, thus the contract will be updated accordingly. The state procurement process selected two major Chinese companies specializing in railway and bridge construction for the project, with the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) winning the tender. Its subsidiary, the China Railway Construction Bridge Engineering Bureau Group, will execute the construction. The tender price announced by the State Procurement Agency was 848.8 billion MNT, but the construction company has officially notified that additional costs will make the total 903,609,179,621 MNT (1,882,519,124 yuan). This issue is under review and will be resolved in accordance with Mongolian law. After 21 years of discussions and waiting, the real commencement of the Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod cross-border railway construction is now underway. Tavantolgoi Railway LLC and China Railway Construction Bridge Engineering Bureau Group LLC have finalized and signed the contract. The fundamental construction works—including the cross-border railway bridge, stations for both gauge types, and technical buildings—are planned to be completed and operational within 24 months. On June 15, 2025, Mongolia and China will officially begin by drilling the first foundation pile of the bridge from both ends. The implementation of this railway project will open a new chapter in the 87-year history of Mongolia’s railway industry. It will establish the first railway with a cross-border bridge between Mongolia and China. Following intergovernmental agreements, further phases will connect Shiveekhuren-Sekhee, Bichigt-Zuunkhatavch, and Khangi-Mandal ports by rail, potentially increasing annual coal exports from 83 million to 165 million tons. Transporting 30 million tons of cargo via the Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod railway at current rates ($100/ton) could generate 3 billion USD. If coking coal prices rise, exports and revenues could be even higher—with railway transport alone yielding $250–300 million. Completing this project could increase Mongolia’s GDP by at least $1,000 per capita, and further connections will similarly boost exports and revenues. Moreover, the strategic comprehensive partnership between Mongolia and China will deepen, promoting cooperation in trade, economy, education, health, culture, social spheres, regional and international initiatives, minerals, industry, and infrastructure. Additionally, the cross-border capacity of the ports will increase, yielding strategic significance.
"Railway Construction Projects Will Continue Regardless of Political Circumstances"
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: news.mn
We asked Minister of Road and Transport B. Delgersaihan about several timely issues. —Today, parties signed the contract for the border connection work on the Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod port railway. The main concern is whether this work will continue if there is a change in government. —China’s ambassador found this issue sensitive as well. The ambassador inquired whether this contract would proceed further if there was a change in government due to political circumstances. I assured him that the contract would proceed without issue. Even if the Mongolian government changes, the continuity of state work means that these projects that have commenced today should not stop. Therefore, there is no issue. The sooner we put the Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod port railway into operation, the more it will benefit Mongolia’s economy. After 70 years, this is the second major border-connecting railway after the Zamiin-Uud-Ereen railway. If this project fails, only Mongolia's economy suffers. When the government is unstable, not only our two neighbors but the whole world sees Mongolia as unstable, which results in negative economic consequences. On this day, June 9, 2025, "Tavantolgoi Railway" LLC under the Ministry of Road and Transport and China Railway Bridge Engineering Group signed the work execution contract. It took a long time and the hard, sleepless work of many to finalize this contract. The Procurement Agency announced a contract price of 848 billion MNT. One company initially bid with this price, but sent a proposal of over 960 billion MNT. Although today we are contracting at the tender price, the Chinese side says they are bearing losses due to the decline in the MNT exchange rate. When the tender was first announced, 1 yuan was 460 MNT, but now it's 480 MNT. Thus, firstly, the Chinese side is about to bear a loss of 17 billion MNT. Secondly, all worker expenses and equipment prices have increased. This is an issue in any country. Due to global trade restrictions, prices of goods everywhere have gone up; we have sent official letters with such explanations more than once. We reviewed this and I presented it at a government meeting two weeks ago, deeming it appropriate to revisit this price. Therefore, the government has instructed the Minister of Road and Transport and Finance Minister B. Javkhlan to pay special attention to possible currency losses for the yuan. Based on this, the executive director of "Tavantolgoi Railway" LLC, B. Dugerjav, was tasked with further negotiating the contract price today. Agreements will be made on the percentage of work executed by the Mongolian and Chinese sides, respectively. We have accepted the requirements set by the Chinese side. However, the agreement ensures that, during implementation, at least 30% of the work will be done by Mongolian companies to mutually fulfill obligations. This somewhat protects us from exchange rate fluctuations. Also, we are pressing to complete this work in as short a period as possible. The Chinese side proposed a 22-month timeline. Going forward, if the contract is finalized and price and other matters are resolved, the Chinese side has indicated work will start promptly. —What preferential rights have been granted to "China Energy" in the contract? There is information spreading that for 16 years they will load coal cheaply at the mine and conduct their own transport, which is said to not benefit Mongolia. —We discussed this contract for a whole year. The government has discussed this issue for 2–3 years. Unfortunately, over 50 meetings with previous working groups yielded no agreement or solution. During the 10 months of the Joint Government, we met with "China Energy" multiple times and reached a deal. Both parties made a mutually beneficial contract. As the deputy leader of the team, I guarantee that there was no one-sided benefit. Although there is a set amount of coal to be taken over 20 years, coal prices will still fluctuate up and down. —It is rumored that the Bagakhangai-Khoshigiin Khundii railway is related to you. How long will this project last, and what is its progress? —This railway is not related to me but to the Ministry of Road and Transport. The government started this railway as the ‘Bogdkhan Railway’ project three years ago. Russia declined participation in its construction around Ulaanbaatar. For over three years, the project made no progress. At that time, when I inquired from the Russian side, they said the project was too expensive. As you may recall, there was a plan to build it for $1.5 billion as per a government resolution. In March, I suggested we start the Bagakhangai-Khoshigiin Khundii railway as a branch line independently. This would move many transport agencies and terminals operating in the city out to the suburbs, thereby reducing urban traffic congestion. This was viewed positively and the project was mandated to proceed. Mongolia Railway Company completed the feasibility study and decided to build a 102 km railway with three stations in a very short time for $230 million or 840 billion MNT, without burdening the state budget. Mongolia Railway Company will build this from its own revenue. We aim to complete construction in 4–5 months. In short, once operational, this railway will allow freight currently clogging Ulaanbaatar to bypass the city. In the future, we will discuss connecting this line with our northern neighbor. Currently, there is a dangerous situation in Ulaanbaatar. Two years ago, a truck carrying hazardous materials exploded and a whole neighborhood was burned, many lives and property lost. Thus, there is a need to limit the transport of dangerous goods. Just this winter, 250–300 cars with diesel and gasoline stood at the Tolgoit station in Ulaanbaatar for three months. I have notified the intelligence agency about this several times. Therefore, the government has ordered that all dangerous goods wagons, except food, be moved out of Ulaanbaatar, and this work is underway and at mid-stage. We plan to complete it before September.
KHOVSGOL: Construction Projects with an Investment of 35.5 Billion MNT Launched in Murun Soum
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn
Within the framework of the "Creative Khovsgol Residents" action program, to be implemented by the Governor of Khovsgol province for 2024–2028, construction projects with a total investment of 35.5 billion MNT have been launched in Murun soum. Specifically, this year, a project was initiated to build 10.5 km of paved roads in six locations in Murun soum, with an investment of 15.5 billion MNT. Additionally, as part of efforts to reduce air pollution, work has begun to remove chimneys from 2,400 households and connect them to the central heating system, as well as to plant and cultivate 5,500 trees over 5.5 km of public spaces, according to Governor L. Tomorbaatar. The opening event for the enterprises and investment projects that will be carried out in Murun soum in 2025 was attended by local and provincial administrators, representatives of governmental and non-governmental organizations, citizens, and executing companies.
Over 600 Million USD Required for Investment in CHP-5 Project
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: unuudur.mn
The Capital City Governor’s Office organized a discussion on selecting a private sector partner for the "Fifth Thermal Power Plant (CHP-5)" project to be implemented within the scope of Mongolia’s Law on Public-Private Partnership. The 300 MW capacity CHP-5 project requires a total investment of over 600 million US dollars. It is planned to implement this under a public-private partnership, with 20% of the total investment coming from the city’s budget and the remaining 80% from the private sector. The requirements for interested enterprises include having the financial capacity to implement the project, capable management, professional human resources, technological expertise, and relevant work experience. Consultant Engineer B. Tseveen gave further details on the matter: "The 300 MW capacity CHP will be implemented through a public-private partnership, with 20% of the total investment coming from the city’s budget, and the remaining 80% expected from the private sector. Private companies can participate jointly by pooling their funding. In recent years, the involvement of private companies in the energy sector has led to healthier competition and stable pricing—these are positive results." Z. Batyrbek, Executive Director of "Ulaanbaatar Partnership Center" LLC, said: "To expand the economy, an adequate supply of energy and heat sources is absolutely necessary. The issue of CHP-5 has been discussed since 1985 but has not materialized until now. Currently, we are prioritizing the implementation of this project in cooperation with the private sector. The state is offering income guarantees and creating legal conditions for beneficial private sector participation. This is stipulated by the Law on Public-Private Partnership, which came into force on January 1, 2024. Accordingly, the CHP-5 project has been officially announced as open."
G. Janlavtsogzol: The concrete foundation work for the 63 MW Dambadarjaa Thermal Power Plant is nearing completion
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn
On 158 hectares spanning 2,206 plots in Chingeltei and Sukhbaatar districts, 4,400 apartments are being constructed in the Selbe subcenter. As part of this, the construction of the Dambadarjaa thermal power plant, with a capacity to produce 63 MW of heat to supply the Selbe area in the 19th khoroo of Chingeltei district, has begun. Regarding the progress of the project, G. Janlavtsogzol, the chief engineer of the Ulaanbaatar Ger Area Development and Investment Support Project, said: "The construction and assembly work of the Dambadarjaa thermal power plant began in April of this year. As of today, the main concrete foundation work is in its final stage. The heating pipelines leading to the Dambadarjaa and Selbe subcenters have been completed." This thermal power plant has the capacity to supply heat to more than 7,000 households in the Selbe subcenter area. The first stage, involving 4,400 apartments in the Selbe subcenter, is being built by two Chinese companies. Note: Media organizations (television, radio, social media, and websites) are prohibited from fully or partially using our information in any form, except with prior agreement and only with acknowledgment of the original source (ikon.mn).
Road Closure and Renovation from Sharga Mortiin Intersection to Guntiin Pass
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: isee.mn
As part of the repair and renovation works on the road from Sharga Mortiin intersection to Guntiin Pass in the 24th khoroo of Chingeltei district, a 2 km section of road south of the Guntiin checkpoint will be closed for renovations. Road closure period: From 22:00 on June 10, 2025 Road reopening period: By 06:00 on June 15, 2025 During this time, cement-stabilized base construction, asphalt concrete paving of the driving lane, and road marking works will be carried out. Therefore, citizens and drivers are advised to use alternative routes during the closure.
This year, only two out of fifteen planned stormwater drainage networks have begun construction in Ulaanbaatar
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn
This year in Ulaanbaatar, it is planned to build flood protection dams and install stormwater drainage networks in a total of 17 locations. Specifically, new stormwater drainage networks are to be installed in 10-15 locations, and as of the 2nd of this month, work has begun in the following two places, with the overall construction progress at 40%. In Bayangol district, at khoroos 5, 24, and 26, around the Altai residential complex bus stop and Engels Street, a 1,415-meter-long stormwater drainage line is being installed. In Khan-Uul district, khoroo 3, from the intersection behind the Thermal Power Plant #3 to the Dund Gol bridge, a 1,398-meter stormwater drainage line is under construction. Regarding the progress, B. Byambasaihan, head of the Geodesy, Water Construction, and Facilities Department, said: “Last year, we identified 24 high-risk locations in the capital where water tends to accumulate and completed the planning and design. Out of these, stormwater drainage lines will be installed in 10-15 locations this year. We started work from June 2, in order to avoid disrupting traffic, during the school and kindergarten summer holidays. In the locations where road maintenance and renovations were planned, the installation of these lines has begun, allowing for road resurfacing to proceed afterward. The stormwater pipes are being assembled from iron-reinforced concrete with a diameter of 600-1,000 mm, thus increasing their longevity.” As of today, Ulaanbaatar has a total of 170 km of flood protection engineering structures. Because the average annual precipitation has increased in recent years, it is planned to build over 440 km of additional flood protection structures in stages by 2040. Warning: Media organizations (television, radio, social media, and web pages) are prohibited from fully or partially using this information in any form without permission, and must cite the source (ikon.mn) if use is agreed.
Pipelines Affected by BRT Project to Be Moved into Tunnel System
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn
Within the framework of the general financing program between the Government of Mongolia and the Asian Development Bank, a decision has been made to implement the "Dedicated Lane Bus Project" along the crossways of the road network in the capital, Ulaanbaatar. The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, or Dedicated Lane Bus, is planned to be constructed on the route from Ard Ayush Avenue—Ikh Toiruu—Namyanju Street—Niislel Khuree Avenue—Park route, covering a total distance of 12.7 km with 17 stops. The distance between each stop will be 700-1,300 meters, and the average speed is set at 20-25 km/h. By carrying 25,000-35,000 passengers daily, this public transport project is expected to increase the average road traffic speed by 10-20% once fully implemented. With the support of technical consulting services from the Asian Development Bank, preliminary research and design are underway, and preparations for the project's implementation are ongoing. Currently, a working group has been established by order of the City Governor to conduct a detailed survey of the pipelines and networks affected by the project. There are studies to move the pipelines under the bus station areas into a tunnel system, as reported by the unified project unit. At present, the peak hour speed in Ulaanbaatar is around 5-7 km/h, but with the introduction of the dedicated BRT system, the bus speed is projected to increase 4-5 times, reaching an average of 20-25 km/h. The BRT system is widely used in over 160 cities around the world. BRT, or Bus Rapid Transit, is a public transportation system with lanes exclusively for buses, separated from general traffic congestion. In BRT, passengers embark and disembark from both sides, and special electric buses are used. The bus floors and platform heights are level, allowing easy access for people with special needs, the elderly, and those with strollers or wheelchairs. Additionally, passengers pay their fare upon entering the station, providing a convenient and simple service system. Notice: Media organizations (TV, radio, social, and websites) are strictly prohibited from using this information in whole or in part in any form and must only use it with permission, citing the source (ikon.mn).
Electricity to be Restricted in Five Districts
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: news.mn
The Ulaanbaatar Electricity Distribution Network JSC has announced the schedule for maintenance on the power lines. Across the capital city, electricity will be restricted and maintenance will be carried out in the following five districts and three soums of Tuv province on this day. If there are any changes to the schedule due to weather conditions, contracted registered phone numbers will be notified accordingly.
KHOVD: 700-800 people will work on the construction of the Erdeneburen Hydropower Plant project
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn
One of the major projects being implemented in Khovd province is the construction of the Erdeneburen Hydropower Plant. The construction for this project will begin soon. In connection with this, today representatives including Xu Shenfei, General Manager of the Power China-Mongolia Erdeneburen Hydropower Plant project, met with the leaders of Khovd province. During the meeting, the parties discussed ways to accelerate the construction and other aspects of cooperation. They proposed to hire local workers for the construction, procure food supplies and materials from local sources to support local businesses, and use local companies for transportation. According to the General Manager, it is estimated that 700-800 people will work at the site during the construction phase. Therefore, food supplies will be sourced locally. The majority of workers are planned to be recruited from the local area, with training and apprenticeships provided. The most important thing is to ensure stable and consistent employment. There is a high demand for the transportation of necessary cargo, equipment, and supplies, so they are ready to cooperate with qualified companies. It was reported by the Khovd Provincial Administration that meetings including all parties will be organized in the future to discuss and resolve some pressing issues as they arise.
Hot Water Supply to be Restricted and Maintenance to be Conducted in Several Khanuul District Locations Starting Tomorrow
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: isee.mn
A schedule has been announced for restricting hot water supply and carrying out maintenance on heating pipelines this summer. Ulaanbaatar Heating Network JSC reported that the maintenance work will start on May 15 and is planned to be completed by August 20. Specifically, starting from tomorrow, Tuesday the 10th, hot water supply will be restricted and maintenance will be carried out in accordance with the announced 12-day schedule.
KHOVD: Electricity Supply to be Restricted
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn
In Khovd province, consumers' electricity supply will be restricted over the coming days (for 4-6 days). The Western Region Energy System JSC has announced that from June 9-12, 2025, maintenance work will be carried out on the 110 kV overhead power transmission lines along the Ulaangom-Umnugovi and Umnugovi-Myangad routes. In addition, repair work on the Myangad-Mankhan 110 kV line will take place on June 13-14. Accordingly, electricity supply will be limited from June 9-14, between 07:30 and 20:00 each day. During this period, the Durgun Hydroelectric Power Plant and the solar power plant will operate in parallel to supply electricity to the highest priority consumers in the aimag center, including the Provincial General Hospital, clean and wastewater plants, the Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring Center, the Emergency Department, the Police Department, and the Aimag Governor’s Administration Office. All other organizations, businesses, and residents are advised by Khovd Electricity Distribution Network LLC to make preparations and adjust their electricity usage during the maintenance period.
Society
Citizens of China, Russia, South Korea, India, the USA, the Philippines, and Vietnam Predominantly Reside in Our Country
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn
We are sharing information about foreign citizens who predominantly reside in our country for official and personal reasons. As of April 2025, citizens of China, Russia, South Korea, India, the USA, the Philippines, and Vietnam are the main foreign residents in our country. Since 2023, the number of Russian citizens residing in our country has decreased, while the number of Chinese citizens has increased. Reasons for residence of citizens from these seven countries:
According to visa data granted only up to April this year, Chinese nationals mainly reside in our country to work in geology, mining, petroleum, energy sectors, as well as in construction, road, bridge, and infrastructure development projects. Since the number of residents from other countries is small, it is not possible to provide detailed data by visa category. Therefore, only an overview of the reasons for residence is given. Warning:
Media organizations (TV, Radio, Social media, and Websites) are prohibited from using our information in any form in whole or in part, and only by agreement, with the source (ikon.mn) clearly cited, may use it.
Student Police Officers to Begin Ensuring Tourist Safety from Tomorrow
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: unuudur.mn
In connection with the start of the active tourism season, the Ulaanbaatar City Tourism Department has announced that student police officers will begin working in the city from tomorrow. This program, now in its ninth year, has registered 125 students this time, of whom 42 have been selected based on their language skills. These students will patrol the busiest and most tourist-frequented areas of the capital, ensuring the safe passage of both foreign and domestic visitors and preventing them from becoming involved in crimes or incidents. The Ulaanbaatar City Tourism Department, the City Police Department, the Mongolian Student Association, and the Association of Professional Guides prepared the "Student Police" participants with training last Friday. During the training, the young people received knowledge, information, and advice on topics such as cultural differences among foreign citizens and tourists, specific activities to prevent crimes and incidents, methods for providing basic first aid, and introductions to Ulaanbaatar’s historical landmarks, main attractions, and their locations.
John Wierens: Mongolians Need World-Class Protection
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn
Interview with John Wierens, Board Member of Mandal Life Insurance and investor. - Why did you invest in Mongolia's life insurance sector?
I was surprised that while Mongolia has a high early mortality rate, life insurance is underdeveloped. Not even company directors, let alone ordinary citizens, have the opportunity to insure themselves. Our Mongolian partners raised this issue and we decided that we needed to bring a world-class solution. This has been a plan of ours for the past 8 years. - What exactly is life insurance?
When a family's breadwinner dies, the family often falls into poverty and children's futures become uncertain. Life insurance protects against this risk at a very low cost. For anyone with a family, it is a duty. There is no need to fear that it is expensive—it is not a cost, but an opportunity. - This is very interesting. It seems that this is a service that should be developed with policy support from the government. Since this involves long-term risk, what kind of oversight and regulation should there be?
Countries offer policy support and tax benefits for life insurance. Not just anyone should provide insurance. This business requires precise calculations and strong ethics. I hope that in Mongolia, many excellent actuaries will emerge in the future. - You are an actuary by profession. What do you do exactly? Can you share your experience?
I have worked for 35 years providing actuarial calculations to large international companies, helping develop products and determine policy. I worked on the creation and development of life insurance in Asia. Being an actuary requires high ethics and integrity. All our calculations need to ensure precise interconnectedness, otherwise policyholders can face losses in the future. Mongolia can also develop this sector properly. - What products does Mandal Life Insurance currently offer?
We are working together with Hannover Re to bring world-class products. Recently, we introduced "Children’s Education Insurance", which is an innovative solution that combines savings and life protection. - How do you see the Mongolian market?
Mongolia is a young country with great potential. People are becoming more responsible and thinking about their futures. Life insurance is not only a business, but also an endeavor that supports social stability. Notice: Media organizations (TV, Radio, Social and Web pages) are prohibited from using our information in whole or in part by any means without agreement, and may only use it with the citation of the source (ikon.mn).
Some Citizens of the Capital Fight to Avoid Freezing to Death, Others to Avoid Sickness
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: unuudur.mn
Although it is summer now in Mongolia, winter is approaching fast. Once again, we will have to breathe poisonous pollution. This is a truth that cannot be forgotten. The nearly two million people surviving in Ulaanbaatar, the world's coldest capital, all fear the coming winter. Some fight to avoid freezing to death, while others strive not to die from sickness. It's a vicious circle—like being haunted by death. In the 21st century, citizens in the capital collectively burn fuel to survive the winter's minus 30-40°C cold. While we used to burn raw coal, we now use slightly improved compressed coal briquettes. However, the toxic gases released into the air have not decreased compared to raw coal. The pollution continues to threaten and claim thousands of lives every year, with mothers and children's health being most severely affected, as multiple examples and data now prove. B. Dulam, a resident of 28th khoroo, Bayangol district, is someone who, like many others, dreads the arrival of winter. For the past three summers, she has withdrawn into her home, passing long days in solitude. In the fall and winter of 2023 and 2024, the fetuses she was carrying miscarried. That means two consecutive years in a row. When she first learned she was pregnant, she was overjoyed and her pregnancy progressed normally for a few months, but unfortunately, fetal growth soon stopped. She spent over a month in hospitals, getting all necessary tests and examinations. In the end, her doctor concluded that her own health was fine, she had no infections, but the fetus stopped growing due to oxygen deficiency. The doctor advised, "You can try to get pregnant again after six months, there's no danger." Eager to have a child, Dulam took those words as salvation and tried again the following year. But soon the same agonizing news struck: At three months, there was no heartbeat detected in the fetus—again, due to oxygen deprivation. Thus, she lost two children to oxygen deficiency and still cannot overcome her grief, hating every polluted winter as her third summer begins. No one can say for sure if she will have hope again. AIR POLLUTION LEADING TO FETAL DEATH The main reason why Ulaanbaatar's air pollution has shown no decrease, but instead worsened over the past decade, is that 50.2% of city households—about one million people—still live in ger districts and burn coal as fuel. More than 500,000 vehicles emit nitrogen oxides every day, and over 2,200 low-pressure boilers, 174 steam boilers, and thermal power plants continue to further pollute the air. There are 18 stationary monitoring posts in the capital that measure air quality 24/7, reporting on sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, ozone, PM10, and PM2.5. In each of the last five years, from December to February—the peak pollution period—the levels of fine particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) exceeded WHO's permissible limits by 150 to 350 times, and occasionally by 450-500 times. According to a study by the National Center for Maternal and Child Health, during the spring, summer, and autumn, there are 20-23 miscarriages per 1,000 births, but during the pollution season, this figure rises to 70-80. The number of fetal deaths during winter remains 3-4 times higher than in summer. A 2024 study by the Health Development Center reported that annually, 2,500-3,000 pregnancies experience growth failure due to oxygen deficiency, and there are 344-400 stillbirths per year. The main cause is that air pollution leads to changes in the mother's health and organ systems. During smog season, mothers cannot supply their fetuses with sufficient oxygen, vitamins, and nutrients. This is because, during winter, oxygen production in the city's air decreases while carbon dioxide levels peak. In short, fetal miscarriage, growth failure, and stillbirths are directly related to reduced oxygen carried by the mother's blood. Carbon monoxide poisoning impairs mother's blood circulation, lowering the number of red blood cells that carry oxygen, ultimately depriving the fetus of oxygen. “THE GUARDIAN”: ULAANBAATAR BECOMES MORE DANGEROUS IN WINTER "Households in Ulaanbaatar burn coal to keep warm. Everyone breathes it. One family lost six members to carbon monoxide poisoning while sleeping after their eldest son joined the army. Although the nation mourned this tragedy, the number of people who have died this way has now reached 811. Ulaanbaatar, set in a hollow, becomes increasingly dangerous in winter, and its smoke is silently killing more people," read a full article published in The Guardian last spring that sparked international controversy. According to Ourworldindata.org, in 2021, 3,970 people in Mongolia died due to indoor and outdoor air pollution. Of these, 1,710 deaths were attributed to fine particulate matter (PM2.5). For every 100,000 people, air pollution-related deaths in Mongolia stood at 12.9%, while in India, which leads the world in air pollution, this indicator is 8.1%. Such information regularly appears on international websites about Ulaanbaatar's air. The National Center for Public Health reported that 2,500-3,500 people are treated annually in Ulaanbaatar for acute air pollution poisoning, as disclosed during a public oversight hearing on smog in February of this year. From 2018, when coal briquettes were introduced, to 2025, 743 people died from acute carbon monoxide poisoning—a figure that has since exceeded 800. Meanwhile, the indirect effects of air pollution on maternal and child health—possibly rendering women infertile in the long run—was discussed by Dr. G. Enkhjargal from the National University of Medical Sciences in an interview with "Өнөөдөр" newspaper: “Ulaanbaatar's air pollution has severely impacted fetal development for many years. In joint research with Simon Fraser University in Canada, we found pollution causes miscarriage, preterm birth, low birthweight, stillbirth, and even birth defects. Newborn weight is a key indicator of healthy development. 44% of deaths in children under 5, and almost all deaths within 28 days of birth, involve low birthweight. Our analysis of 540 pregnant women confirmed that air pollution is a leading cause of low birthweight.” TREATING CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES CAUSED BY POLLUTION COULD COST 24.8 BILLION TUGRIK THIS YEAR In Mongolia, over 2,000 children under 5 die annually. The main cause of death is respiratory disease, which could be prevented in 75-88% of cases. In the capital alone, there were 30,913 cases of neonatal illness last year—over 50% of all children born nationwide that year. In effect, one out of two newborns suffers respiratory infections, most commonly pneumonia. This is a leading cause of mortality for under-fives, researchers at the Health Development Center say. During winter, young children in the capital get flu or cold an average of 3-5 times, and an average treatment costs 90-150,000 tugrik per instance. Illnesses caused by pollution also heavily impact the health sector's economy. According to the UN Development Programme's 2024 Human Development Report, Mongolia's economic loss due to pollution-related health issues reached 1.15 billion USD in 2022, with the largest portion due to acute respiratory infections. Nine years ago, 10.4 billion tugrik was spent in Ulaanbaatar on child illnesses caused by pollution, or 18.4 billion if adults are included. This year, the economic burden just for children's illnesses is projected to reach 24.8 billion tugrik, according to a UNICEF study conducted under the "Reducing the impact of air pollution on maternal and child health" project. UNICEF recommends reducing Ulaanbaatar's pollution, implementing vaccination drives for children against pneumonia, distributing free masks, supplying medicine to at-risk children, training and equipping family doctors, and declaring a state of high alert in winter. The UN aims to reduce global child mortality by 10 million by 2030. However, it seems it will take many years for Ulaanbaatar's air to meet international standards. BIRTH RATE IN DECLINE, BUT THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN STILL DYING EACH YEAR Medical doctor and professor N. Erdenekhuu stated, "Due to air pollution, citizens of the capital inhale the equivalent of smoking 5-6 packs of cigarettes daily, and one in four cancer patients is afflicted as a result of polluted air." MP J. Zoljargal, former CEO of the Mongolian Coal Association, declared in 2023, "As long as briquettes are made from waste or hard coal, air pollution will never decrease." Currently, the raw materials used in compressed fuel show no improvements. However, city mayor Kh. Nyambaatar announced last March that they will replace briquettes with enriched coal. He also stated the plan to establish a smoke-free zone encompassing 50,000 households by next winter, beginning house insulation, gas connection works this month, and freeing up land at 71 locations for new apartment construction. This is projected to reduce winter pollution by 15%; however, citizens have no option but to wait for results. Due to pollution, flu outbreaks, and the lack of schools and kindergartens, more Mongolians are avoiding childbirth in recent years. Between 2014 and 2019, annual births fluctuated between 66,000 and 80,000. In the last five years, this has dropped to 47,000-50,000— a decline of over 20%. With fewer than 3.5 million Mongolians, the nation now faces an aging population window, while unwittingly losing 2,000 to 3,000 preventable child deaths each year.
URGENT: 1.2 kg of drugs transported by international flight seized at "Chinggis Khaan" airport
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: isee.mn
Officers of the General Intelligence Agency detected and seized approximately 1.2 kilograms of narcotics that were imported via an international flight early this morning at the Chinggis Khaan International Airport. In connection with this case, Mongolian citizens B, M, and G have been arrested and detained. The seized drugs were identified as "ice," which is the substance methamphetamine that is banned internationally by the United Nations. According to Article 20.7.3.3 of the Criminal Code, those who illegally import narcotic or psychoactive substances across the national border are subject to 5-12 years of imprisonment, or 12-20 years if committed by an organized group, up to and including life imprisonment. Further information will be provided as sources update us on this case.
BULGAN: Let's Get to Know the Countryside - Resort, Education, and Tour Welcomes Guests Starting Today
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn
Bulgan, June 9, 2025 /MONTSAME/. The countryside resort next to a herder family's home at Monosyn Tokhoi farm in Khutag-Undur soum, Bulgan Province, is welcoming vacationers starting today. Monosyn Tokhoi is located 529 km from Ulaanbaatar, 145 km from the center of Bulgan province, and 15 km from the center of Khutag-Undur soum. The "Let's Get to Know the Countryside – resort, training, and tour" operates year-round, holding sessions from 12 p.m. on Mondays until 12 p.m. on Saturdays, with plans to accommodate 50-60 families per month and 400-600 families per year. Bulgan Province has identified tourism as a priority sector and, in this context, is supporting "NITAJ," a form of tourism that is based on and supports local residents, focusing on eco-tourism involving locals and nature-friendly experiences. Many initiatives have been planned and implemented for developing this approach. Parents wishing for a fun but productive summer for their children can bring them to stay with an ordinary herder family, get to know rural life and traditional animal husbandry, explore beautiful nature, run barefoot, swim in the river, observe waterfowl up close, learn about household management, care for farm animals, milk sheep and cows, and participate in child-rearing classes and educational talks in the herder’s camp. The "Let's Get to Know the Countryside – resort, training, and tour" has been launched and organized by the family of herder Kh. Enkhbileg of Khutag-Undur soum, Bulgan province. Kh. Enkhbileg: We often receive requests from people saying, “We would like to visit, stay, and send our children to learn about country life during summer vacation.” Since we moved from the city to the countryside, our friends trust that we understand city children and can introduce them to rural life, so they send their kids to spend time with us. That's why, after researching, planning, and preparing since last year, we decided to invite families who wish to come spend their summer with us at our country home this year. We're not a children's camp, nor a work camp; instead, families come to know the countryside, practice household management, learn about child-rearing, exchange ideas, and develop cooperation and skills working with their children. Monosyn Tokhoi farm is a household farm managed by Kh. Enkhbileg, a resident of Khutag-Undur soum, and is located in the Monosyn Tokhoi wintering grounds of the soum’s center and Teel bag. Herdsman Kh. Enkhbileg and his family moved from Ulaanbaatar to Khutag-Undur soum, Bulgan, in 2020. They raise sheep, goats, cattle, and horses, as well as poultry, pigs, turkeys, and ducks for household needs and are experimenting with growing vegetables, showcasing their hard-working character. Promoting rural resettlement, in 2020 they co-initiated the "Let's Live in the Countryside" civic movement and participated in “Let's Live in the Countryside – Khutag-Undur Information Days”, sharing opinions for the government’s "Rural Renewal" program. They wish for everyone to have the chance to live with five types of livestock in Mongolia, adapting to modern life. Therefore, each year they host 200-300 people interested in moving to the countryside, introducing them to rural life, exchanging views, and advising them, as well as welcoming their friends’ teenagers in the summer to teach them about rural life and work. "Let's Get to Know the Countryside – resort, training, and tour" program: Both city dwellers and those in the provincial center, as well as Mongolians abroad, now wish to spend meaningful vacations relaxing with a herder family, experiencing the beauty of nature, and teaching their children about traditional Mongolian lifestyles. The program includes child-rearing classes, discussions, opportunities to implement what’s learned, connect with other families interested in child education, and make friends. The facility can host up to five families at a time and is operated on a self-service basis. Each session begins with the arrival of families on Monday and lasts six days and five nights until Saturday. Child-rearing classes and discussions are scheduled, and guests are free to plan activities such as riverside walks, observing various waterfowl, boating, horse riding, milking goats and processing milk, caring for vegetables grown in livestock manure, herding sheep, feeding farm animals, and hiking to historical landmarks in the area.
LIVE: First Deputy Mayor T. Davaadalai Meets with Kiosk Operators and Demands Them to Disperse Their Illegal Protest
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: isee.mn
Kiosk operators are protesting outside the Independence Palace, demanding the resignation of City Mayor Kh. Nyambaatar. During this event, the first deputy mayor of the capital, T. Davaadalai, met with the protesters and delivered a demand. While the kiosk operators are calling for the mayor's resignation, Deputy Mayor Davaadalai emphasized that opportunities have been provided to rent stalls or be allocated space in other locations. He stressed that since the protest is being held illegally, the participants are being demanded to disperse within two hours.
PHOTOS: Kiosk Operators Confront Deputy Mayor
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn
Photographs courtesy of MPA Agency, used with special permission. By order of the city and district governors, since last April, kiosks that were illegally placed on public streets, squares, and pedestrian walkways—obstructing movement and damaging the city’s appearance—have been removed. As of April 29, official sources state that 1,278 kiosks in the city’s six central districts have been cleared, freeing up public space. In response, kiosk operators have been repeatedly protesting this decision since last month. Today, outside the Independence Palace, they held a protest demanding the resignation of city mayor H. Nyambaatar. During the protest, Deputy Mayor T. Davaadalai and the governor of Sukhbaatar district met with the protesters and demanded that they disperse as their protest was unauthorized. Deputy Mayor T. Davaadalai said: "Kiosk operators are already working in trade centers. Those without permission are politicizing the issue, mixing Ulaanbaatar’s services management with party politics. Such unethical behavior is unacceptable. Issues of the city should not be politicized by protesting outside party buildings." To this, the protesters responded: "Resignation is easy, but in 22 days of protest, we haven’t received permission. Why should we be forced out simply for expressing our opinions? We are being forced to dismantle our protest on the grounds that it is unauthorized, simply for demanding the resignation of Mayor H. Nyambaatar." Notice: Media organizations (TV, Radio, Social Media, and Websites) are strictly prohibited from using our content in whole or in part in any form, and may only use it with consent and proper citation of the source (ikon.mn).
This Wednesday Will Be a Nationwide Public Holiday
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn
The Great Buddha's Day of Vesak (Enlightenment Day) will occur on June 11, 2025, which is this week's Wednesday. According to the law on public holidays and observance days, everyone will have the day off on this occasion. The term "Vesak" refers to the day when the Buddha achieved enlightenment and entered nirvana, as explained in dictionaries. On this day, it is customary to refrain from arguments, theft, taking animal lives, harboring resentment, insulting or slandering others, and taking what is not given. Important Notice:
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Innovation
EVENTS: International Conference on Applied Science Engineering to Begin
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn
On the 3rd floor of the Ulaanbaatar Gallery, from 09:00 to 18:00, the International Conference on Applied Science Engineering will begin today. At the Ministry of Roads and Transport, at 09:00, there will be a signing ceremony for the agreement to carry out railway connection works between the Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod border checkpoint of Mongolia and China. Representatives from the governments of both countries and relevant officials will attend the event. At the Ministry of Education, at 11:30, the Ministry of Education and the Mongolian Teachers' Association, in cooperation with M Bank, will sign a memorandum of understanding to implement a discount and reward card program for teachers of public and private educational institutions. Within the framework of this program, teachers will receive special cards that allow them to enjoy discounts and rewards when purchasing goods and services from private sector organizations. At "Blue Sky" at 12:00, there will be a press conference for the "One Stage" concert featuring the bands Tatar, Dijital, Quiza, 3 Oxin, and MC Collection. Notice:
Media organizations (TV, Radio, Social, and Web pages) are prohibited from using our information in whole or in part in any form and may only use it by agreement while citing the source (ikon.mn).
T.Davaadalai: There is now an opportunity to process solid waste into gravel and sand, bringing it into economic circulation
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn
T. Davaadalai, the First Deputy Governor of Ulaanbaatar, along with other officials, visited the "Solid Waste Landfill Facility and Construction Solid Waste Recycling Plant" located in Moringiin Davaa, 12th subdistrict, Khan-Uul District. This plant has the capacity to receive 8.5 million tons of waste and can crush and recycle up to 150 tons of construction solid waste per day. Additionally, it is notable for being the only plant in the country for recycling construction waste. The facility comprises a new landfill site that meets sanitary requirements, a site for crushing and sorting construction waste, garages for machinery, and an office building. During the visit, First Deputy Governor T. Davaadalai stated, "On average, about 1.6 million tons of waste is collected annually at the three centralized waste sites in Ulaanbaatar. Of the total waste, 11.4% is recycled, while 88.6% is buried for disposal. Construction waste accounts for 20-30% of this total. By processing solid waste into gravel and sand and bringing it into economic circulation, we can reduce the number of landfills, cut carbon dioxide emissions, save water and energy, and create sustainable jobs. In this sense, it is highly significant and beneficial."
PHOTO: The Champions of the 'ENJOY AI' Robotics and Coding Competition Opening Opportunities for Local Students on the World Stage Have Been Announced
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn
Within the framework of Unitel Group's nationwide Unitel STEAM HUB program, the "ENJOY AI" robotics and coding competition was successfully held last Saturday. In this competition, the top 140 participants from 20 provinces in Mongolia came to the capital to test their knowledge and skills. The uniqueness of this event is that the winning children earned the right to represent Mongolia in the international 'ENJOY AI' competition. The "ENJOY AI" robotics and coding competition was organized in two main categories according to international standards: Screenless Coding for children aged 6-8 and Drone Coding for ages 10-12. The winners of each category received the right to represent Mongolia at the international 'ENJOY AI' competition. "The 'ENJOY AI' competition clearly demonstrates the value of this program, which provides real opportunities to children who will shape the future of rural areas." On the topic of the competition introducing children from rural areas to opportunities on the global stage, Ts.Amarjargal, Head of Business Development at Unitel Group, stated: "ENJOY AI is a robotics and artificial intelligence coding competition involving children from many countries worldwide. This contest, which combines creative thinking and technical skills, is special because it immerses children in an environment where they can gain real experience in solving international-level problems and building networks. The Unitel STEAM HUB program aims to support every child's right to develop and learn. The 'ENJOY AI' competition clearly shows the value of this program, which provides real opportunities to children who will shape the future of rural areas and aims to reduce inequality and the digital divide in the tech sector." Winners in the 6-8 years Screenless Coding category: - First place: Darkhan-Uul province, B.Sodgerel, N.Amin-Erdene, with the right to participate in the ENJOY AI international competition - Second place: Arkhangai province, J.Bulgantamir, O.Erdene-Chuluun - Third place: Khovd province, E.Bat-Itgel, E.Anarmiadag - Best Performance Team: Govi-Altai, B.Jargaltuya, B.Khaanbold Winners in the 10-12 years Drone Coding category: - First place: Bayankhongor province, O.Tuvshinsaihan, 12 years old, with the right to participate in the ENJOY AI international competition - Second place: Govi-Altai, E.Telmüü, 12 years old - Third place: Umnugovi, D.Dulguun, 14 years old - Best Performance: Govisumber, Ch.Chingün - Best Team (Best province): Govi-Altai province team led by teacher Ch.Battulga "I was very excited to participate in this competition. Our team had only one girl, and that's me." Continuing, B.Sodgerel, a 2nd grade student from the 9th school of Darkhan-Uul province, who took first place in the 6-8 age group and earned the right to participate in the ENJOY AI international competition, shared her thoughts: "I understood what the teacher taught very well, and by carefully listening to the judges, I participated successfully and scored 255 points to win first place. I have been studying in the Unitel STEAM HUB program for three months. I was very excited to participate in this competition because our team had only one girl, which was me. I thank all the teachers and my parents who helped and supported me to win today's competition." The "ENJOY AI" robotics and coding competition is being organized in Mongolia for the first time according to international standards. The Unitel STEAM HUB program has been implemented in 20 provinces since 2022, reaching a total of 64,000 people. Of these, 2,520 children have attended STEAM subject courses and acquired modern technology skills, according to the Unitel STEAM HUB project coordinator, J.Narantuya. She noted: "For Unitel Group, we are working to bring digital transformation and technological advancements to everyone's life. There was a disparity in STEAM educational opportunities between Ulaanbaatar and rural areas. Therefore, we started implementing the Unitel STEAM HUB project three years ago. With this, it is the first initiative to contribute to training future engineers and professionals in technology. Three types of courses are offered in the Unitel STEAM HUB halls located in the centers of 20 provinces: robotics coding, electronics and circuits, and programming." The 'ENJOY AI' robotics and coding competition is being organized in Mongolia for the first time according to international standards. This competition opens the opportunity for young children from rural Mongolia to compete on the global stage in coding. The 'ENJOY AI' international robotics and coding competition will be held in December 2025 in Shanghai, China. In the past three years, over one million children from about 50 countries have competed in fields such as AI, coding, and robotics. "The Unitel STEAM HUB program has played a key role in helping young children discover their future professions and skills." In addition, trainer R.Itgel, who came from the remote Uvs province to participate in the 'ENJOY AI' robotics and coding competition, spoke about the results of the Unitel STEAM HUB program: "In the summer of 2022, Unitel contacted me and suggested working in this program for the future and well-being of children. So I decided to teach for the first year, but now I am teaching for the third year. The main feature of this course is that children develop creative thinking by exploring and learning to code for themselves. In my observation, the Unitel STEAM HUB program has played a key role in helping young children discover their future professions and skills. Talented children who finish the course continue to deepen their studies. Moreover, there is no fixed schedule like starting on September 1st or the beginning of each month. For example, a child who joins in the middle of a month can compress the lessons at their own pace and finish quickly. Some finish all the lessons in just a week. Since the implementation of this program, over 100 children have completed their studies in Uvs province." Warning: Media organizations (TV, Radio, Social and Web pages) are prohibited from using our content in whole or in part in any form unless agreed upon and citing the source (ikon.mn) as required.
2 Years of Study at MUST and 2 Years in South Korea for Metro and Tram Maintenance
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: gogo.mn
A joint 2+2 program in Metro Mechanical and Rolling Stock Engineering has been launched. Under this program, students will study for 2 years at the Mongolian University of Science and Technology (MUST) and 2 years at Halla University in South Korea. Main areas of study: This program specializes in the study, diagnosis, and maintenance of the core moving components of high-capacity transport vehicles such as subways, trains, and trams. This includes carriages, running gear, engines, braking systems, and transmission mechanisms. Entrance exam subject requirements: Foundation: Mathematics or Physics – 500 points. Additional: Social Studies or English – 450 points. Application registration: https://burtgel.elselt.edu.mn/ More information: https://mes.must.edu.mn Phone: 11-341913 E-mail: info.smet@must.edu.mn
Health
International Best Practices to Reduce Preterm Births Discussed
Published: 2025-06-09 | Translated from: unuudur.mn
The Government of Mongolia has set a goal to reduce neonatal mortality, implementing a strategy to bring it down to 5.5 per 1,000 live births by 2030 and to 2.3 by 2050. Within this framework, the focus has been on evidence-based policies, domestic and international cooperation, and strengthening human resource capacity. To reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality, national professional teams have been established to introduce treatments such as "Neonatal Therapeutic Hypothermia," "Diagnosis and Treatment of Neonatal Pulmonary Hypertension," "Open-Heart Surgery for Neonates," and "Comprehensive Early Detection for Neonates." Special emphasis has been placed on necessary investments and training human resources, with more than 200 doctors and nurses participating in international-level training so far. The main goal of today’s international training seminar titled “Preterm Birth, Prevention, and Best Practices in Premature Infant Management” is to adapt these studied best practices locally. During the training, experts highlighted the need to improve the health of women of reproductive age, provide better preconception care, and enhance prenatal diagnosis in order to reduce and prevent preterm births. The event includes participation from the World Health Organization, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the Mongolian Perinatology Society, collaborating organizations, and maternal and neonatal doctors from 21 provinces. The training will be held over three days, with a wide-ranging information exchange event planned for tomorrow on the topic of “Optimal Management of Premature Infants and Kangaroo Mother Care.”
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